Complete your professional development at a spectacular location: McDonald Observatory.
Educators experience inquiry-based activities aligned with science and mathematics teaching standards, practice astronomy skills under the Observatory’s famous dark skies, and work with nationally recognized astronomy educators.
Upcoming Workshops
During this engaging workshop, educators will participate in activities addressing how planetary systems form and evolve. From learning about our own Solar System to exploring exoplanets, teachers will be equipped with interactive activities and resources they can bring back to their classroom. In addition to these resources, teachers will build Galileoscopes, tour our large research telescopes, and learn about the important research and discoveries that are happening here at McDonald Observatory. We will also offer viewing of the night sky with our big telescopes.
Application timeline:
- Applications are due February 18, 2026
- McDonald Observatory will notify selected applicants by March 6, 2026
Dive into the fundamentals of cosmology in this professional development workshop. Participants will explore the structure, origin, and evolution of the universe while gaining classroom-ready strategies and resources. Additionally, teachers will be building Galileoscopes, touring our large research telescopes, and learning about the important research and discoveries that are happening here at McDonald Observatory. We will also offer viewing of the night sky with our big telescopes.
Application timeline:
- Applications are due February 18, 2026
- McDonald Observatory will notify selected applicants by March 6, 2026
Blast off into our Solar System! Through this workshop, participants will explore the classification of various Solar System objects, investigate size and distance scales, and create a range of models. Additionally, teachers will be building Galileoscopes, touring our large research telescopes, and learning about the important research and discoveries that are happening here at McDonald Observatory. We will also offer viewing of the night sky with our big telescopes.
Application timeline:
- Applications are due February 18, 2026
- McDonald Observatory will notify selected applicants by March 6, 2026
Workshop Information
What to Expect
All programs include both day and night instructional sessions, materials, daytime tours, and evening observing (weather permitting). Please be aware that some of the telescope observing activities will last until late hours.
Lodging & Meals
Participants are provided housing in single occupancy rooms, either at the Astronomers Lodge onsite or in other local lodging facilities.
Meals are provided at no extra cost.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from McDonald Observatory.
Cost
Most, but not all, workshops cost $100 (some cost less!). This covers lodging, meals, and workshop materials.
Payment is due upon acceptance to reserve your spot. If you need to cancel, you must do so more than 30 days before the first day of the workshop to receive a full refund.
CPE Credit
We provide either a physical or digital (PDF) certificate to educators who complete an onsite or virtual workshop, respectively. For help with your Continuing Professional Education credit, please email teachers@mcdonaldobservatory.org.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact our Education team.
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