Earth Dome comes to Vernon Hills

The Earth Dome paid a visit to Townline Elementary School in Vernon Hills Tuesday evening to teach students about geography and environmental issues.

David Killion of Mobile Ed. Productions talked inside and outside the dome as he discussed continents, oceans and climates.

Tours were given to kids and ther parents every half-hour from 6 to 8 pm.

"It was cool," said 10-year-old Mitchell Saunders of Vernon Hills. "I learned about all the different countries and continents."

The gigantic inflatable Earth balloon stands 19 feet tall and 22 feet in diameter. It's made of 24 huge panels silkscreened with photographs shot from satellites.

It has been used extensively across the United States, organizers said. Depending on the grade level, 35 to 45 students and one teacher are able to fit inside the balloon. The program also let allows students to examine the outside of the balloon.

The Earth Dome helps students better understand the scale of concepts such as time zones, latitude, longitude, and more. Even major cities in comparison to the total Earth will be recognized.

To find out more out the Earth Dome, visit www.mobileedproductions.com.