The RIC & jean edelman planetarium at rowan university, in collaboration with faculty and undergraduate students from the college of engineering, will expand the planetarium's capacity to provide…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Rowan University $214,299 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to expand the Ric & Jean Edelman Planetarium's capacity for engaging visitor experiences.

The award funds repair and reinstallation of the planetarium's Viking Lander Model with new educational signage; a year-long Junior/Senior Engineering Design Clinic in which 5–20 undergraduate students from the College of Engineering will design and prototype two accessible, interactive exhibits grounded in Viking-related scientific concepts; and partnership with a professional fabrication firm to construct and install the final exhibits. These interactive exhibits will transform the planetarium's atrium into a dynamic learning space complementing dome shows and enhancing STEM engagement for public visitors.

The planetarium serves approximately 35,000 annual visitors, including more than 15,000 K–12 students who attend free field trips, alongside hundreds of Rowan University students who pass through the atrium daily. The award also supports hands-on experience for Rowan engineering undergraduates in client-driven design, prototyping, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Performance occurs at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The period of performance extends from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029.

The RIC & jean edelman planetarium at rowan university, in collaboration with faculty and undergraduate students from the college of engineering, will expand the planetarium's capacity to provide engaging, interactive, and educational visitor experiences by transforming its atrium into a dynamic learning space that complements dome shows and enhances stem engagement for the public. Project activities include repairing and reinstalling the planetarium's viking lander model with new educational signage; supporting a year-long junior/senior engineering design clinic in which 5-20 engineering students will design and prototype two accessible, interactive exhibits grounded in viking-related scientific concepts; and partnering with a professional fabrication firm to construct and install the final exhibits. The primary beneficiaries include the planetarium's 35,000 annual visitors-among them more than 15,000 k-12 students who attend free field trips-as well as hundreds of rowan university students who pass through the atrium daily. Engineering undergraduates will also benefit through hands-on experience in client-driven design, prototyping, and interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening their technical and professional competencies.