Distance Learning

Take your K-12 classroom on a virtual field trip to the McDonald Observatory! We invite students and teachers to join McDonald Observatory remotely from home or school for these exciting educational experiences.

Find our programs and register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.

PARTICIPATE IN AN UPCOMING PROGRAM

McDonald Observatory will be offering more virtual learning programs in the 2026-2027 school year. Sign up for our K-12 educators' newsletter to find about upcoming programs and other astronomy education opportunities for your students.

WATCH A RECORDED SESSION

Astronomy Day: What Is Astronomy?

Grades: K-8

What is astronomy? What exactly do astronomers study? Is all astronomy the same? Join your friends at McDonald Observatory as we explore the answers to these questions and more! In celebration of Astronomy Day, McDonald Observatory, along with some guest astronomers, explains the exciting universe of astronomy.

This program was presented live in September 2025. Please register for the recording on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).

Astronomy Day: Solar Views and Moon Systems

Grades: 5-8

Join McDonald Observatory views of the sun and discussion of the Sun, Earth, Moon system. After a review of gravity and orbits we'll lead into moon motion and phases then shadows and eclipses.

This program was presented live in April 2022. Please register for the recording on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).

ExciteSpace! Eclipses and Our Moon

Grades: Two lessons available, for PreK-3 and 3-12

Prepare your students for the Eclipse events Texas will experience in October 2023 and April 2024! Join McDonald Observatory as we explore the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. We'll discuss gravity, orbits, Moon phases, and Eclipses.

Please register for the recording on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).

ExciteSpace! Super Big Telescope Tour

Grades: Two lessons available, for 3-6 and 7-12

Explore the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, a 10-meter telescope that uses 91 mirrors to observe the universe! Follow the light path from the sky into our instruments, made possible by creative engineering. Students will take a virtual tour of the HET, including images and videos.

Please register for the recording on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).

Spotlight Session: Celebrate Earth Day with "Skywatcher"

Grades: 2-6

Join McDonald Observatory in reading Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan, and highlighting the wonder of a dark and starry sky. We’ll discuss the importance of keeping the night sky dark and how anyone can help reduce light pollution.

A big thank you to the author and illustrator, Jamie Hogan, for creating this delightful book. And thank you to the Tilbury House Publishers for allowing the reading and sharing of this book.

Please register for the recording on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).

INQUIRE ABOUT VIRTUAL VISITS

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a Custom Videoconference program, please send an inquiry to teachers@mcdonaldobservatory.org

Students participate in a video conference learning session with Observatory staff.

K-12 Education Program Support

We are grateful to the following organizations for their support of 2026 K-12 Education programs

The Fash Foundation
The George and Cynthia Mitchell Foundation Educational Endowment
The Keenan and Gaines Educational Endowment for McDonald Observatory
The Leopold Tedesco Educational Endowment
The Meyer Levy Charitable Foundation
Dr. Mary Kay Hemenway McDonald Observatory Outreach and Education Excellence Fund
Mary Ann Rankin Endowment for McDonald Observatory for UTeach Workshops
Friends of McDonald Observatory

You can help support our programs through a contribution to our Education and Outreach Initiatives, a Friends Membership, or planned gift.