We were provided a  Learning Resources Primary Science Shining Stars Projector to facilitate this review; however, all opinions are our own.

My son is fascinated by astronomy, and he has been since he was a small child. I like to think that we developed his interest through the books we read to him and the trips we took to the mountains to watch the stars. Now that he has his own daughter, Ame, it’s a chance for him to share his love of all things celestial with her. She may only be six months old, but it’s not too early to interest her in the world above her.

We did just that this last weekend when we introduced her to the Primary Science Shining Stars Projector. Though it’s meant for kids ages 3 and up, it’s okay for younger kids when it’s used with an adult.

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We lay on the bed and turned off the lights and in seconds, the earth and moon were within reach. Even at her young age, Ame she was enthralled by the pictures being beamed up onto the ceiling. As we switched the photos, we explained what she was seeing, and it wasn’t long before she picked up on our excitement and smiled happily at the pictures.

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples

I was impressed by the quality of the projection, even in our partially lit room. Sunlight was leaking in through the curtains, so there were very few completely dark areas. Still, the projector provided a quality look into the galaxy as well some of the space vehicles and humans that have ventured into space via 3-discs with eight photos each. The unit runs on three AAA-batteries, so it’s super portable.

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples - Daytime and room lights on

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples – Daytime and room lights on – ceiling projection

 Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples - Sunlight leaking through curtains - ceiling projection

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples – Sunlight leaking through curtains – ceiling projection

 Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples - Sunlight leaking through curtains - ceiling projection

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples – Sunlight leaking through curtains – ceiling projection

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples - Sunlight leaking through curtains - Eye Level Projection (Ikea Storage Box)

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector Projection Samples – Sunlight leaking through curtains – Eye Level Projection (Ikea Storage Box)

Primary Science Shining Stars Projector – What I Love and What I Hope They’ll Change

The design of the Primary Science Shining Stars Projector is well done and easy for kids to use. The base allows a child to place the projector at any angle so it can be projected onto the ceiling, walls, floor, and anywhere else a child chooses.

The base also holds the additional photo discs. Unfortunately, I envision the base, projector, and discs becoming separated in the future. I wish that there was a way to attach the base to the projector for storage.

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The discs are rigid plastic with a bump on one side which prevents little ones from putting the discs in incorrectly. The disc is turned by hand to move to the next picture. The lens has a small amount of adjustment when it comes to focusing, but I’ve not had to use it yet.  Minutes after turning the projector on and being wowed by its projection capabilities, I visited the Primary Science website looking for more discs to add. Unfortunately, there don’t appear to be any. Darn it! I’d love to see more astronauts, constellations, and vehicles offered.

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My only other disappointment was that fun facts about each photo were included in the instruction booklet, but nowhere else. Printing them on colorful trading cards would have been really helpful and more kid-friendly. I’ll be copying the fun facts and posting them around the room (when Ame is older) so that she’ll know what’s she’s looking at.

Those are the things I’d love to see them change, but of course, others may not feel the same way. Still, it’s the best projector of its kind that I’ve tried. So many of them produce washed-out images that are impossible to see until it’s projected just a foot or two away from your face. This one stays in focus whether it’s 6″ from you or across the room.

Get More Info and Where to Buy

Learning Resources produces toys to educate and entertain toddlers to fifth graders. Visit their site and Shop by age/grade, subject, Common Core, Special Needs, and more. Learn more about the Primary Science Shining Stars Projector and purchase it from their website or  Amazon.com.