Videoconference Programs

Videoconference programs are science learning experiences that take you and your students on a virtual field trip to the Davis Mountains of west Texas. There are multiple ways to experience these programs:

PARTICIPATE IN AN UPCOMING PROGRAM

Students and teachers are invited to visit McDonald Observatory remotely from home or school for incredible educational experiences. Observe our Solar System real-time with a telescope and make STEM connections in astronomy. Thanks to support from Friends of the McDonald Observatory and the Meyer-Levy Charitable Foundation, these programs are available at no cost to participants.

Observe the Sun live with telescopes and learn about solar features

From classrooms across Texas and the US, K-12 students observe our Sun in real-time with a telescope, make their own drawings, and make STEM connections in astronomy. make their own drawings of the Sun, and explore the solar features they observe. A Zoom account is required for connection. Each program is 40 minutes long and includes the following:

an introduction to the University of Texas McDonald Observatory and the giant research telescopes used to study the Universe;
live, real-time observations with our telescope-videoconference system of daytime astronomical objects like the Sun;
guided participant exploration of visible features like sunspots and documentation of their observations.
STEM content designed for K-12 students. Content is adapted for each audience to align with student learning standards.

Download Teacher Activity Packet

Choose a program date below and register for an online exploration of the Universe! Registrations accepted until 24 hours prior to any program.

Celebrate Astronomy Day! (for multiple schools)

January 26, 2021
10:00 am and 1:00 pm

January 27, 2021
10:00 am and 1:00 pm

Excite Space! (for a single group of students)

November 13, 2020
10:00 am

WATCH A RECORDED SESSION ANYTIME

Programs average 50 minutes in length and include activities and handouts that students can use to follow along at home

Books and Telescopes and the Sun...Oh My! (Grades PreK-2)

Explore the Sun and sunspots with special telescopes at McDonald Observatory, enjoy a reading of “The Big Dipper” – a Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1 book, and take a virtual tour of McDonald Observatory. Viewers may choose to make their own drawing of the Sun and it’s features. Required materials are a sheet of paper and a pencil!

Our Solar System and Beyond! (Grades 3-12)

Explore McDonald Observatory and see giant research telescopes used by astronomers, observe planet Venus with telescopes equipped with special video cameras, complete a size and scale ranking task activity individually or in small groups (grade 3-5 handout & grade 6-12 handout, and learn how Galileo discovered that planets orbit the Sun.

SCHEDULE A CUSTOM VIDEOCONFERENCE

McDonald Observatory “Live From McDonald Observatory” distance learning program.

K-12 educational programs are $25 for 50 minutes unless otherwise noted (contact our education coordinator for more information for other non-K-12 school group pricing). Videoconferences are designed for individual classrooms of 35 students or less. While most videoconferences are recommended for grades 3-12, K-2 students also enjoy the special treat to connect with a real Observatory.

The content of all videoconferences is aligned with Texas science standards. We offer many different videoconferences that include engaging experiences such as: take your students on a virtual tour of McDonald Observatory; complete a hands-on activity; see unique science demonstrations; and get live telescopic views sent to your classroom of the Sun, Moon and Venus from telescopes equipped with special video cameras and solar filters.

Below is a menu of currently available videoconference titles for grades 3-12 and important documents for each program. The documents for each program include a student sheet, teacher guide, pre- and post- conference assessment, suggestions for pre- and post- activities, and more. To participate, review our registration and videoconference requirements.

Program Descriptions and Downloads

Observing the Planet Venus: Explore How it Changes

In this 50-minute videoconference program, students receive a brief introduction to the McDonald Observatory, make live telescope observations of Venus with telescopes equipped with special video cameras, and complete a student sheet. By exploring Galileo’s drawings and science demonstrations, students discover the reason the apparent size of Venus changes while it orbits the Sun. Students can ask questions about the topic or astronomy in general during the Q/A period at the end of the videoconference. Telescope views will be real time; in case of inclement weather or equipment problems, recorded views will be provided.

	Grade Level
Student Sheet	3-5	6-8	9-12
Teacher Guide	3-5	6-8	9-12
Pre-Conference Assessment	3-5	6-8	9-12
Pre-Conference Activity	3-5	6-8	9-12
Post-Conference Assessment	3-5	6-8	9-12
Post-Conference Activity	3-5	6-8	9-12, 9-12
Related TEKS, NSES	3-5	6-8	9-12
Videoconference Evaluation Form	Same for all

Discover Our Solar System: Make A Size Scale Model

In this 50-minute videoconference program, students receive a brief introduction to the McDonald Observatory and make a volume and distance scale model of two objects in the Solar System. Through discussions and exploration with the videoconference facilitator, students are able to identify the two objects as the Earth and Moon by the end of the program. Students can ask questions about the topic or astronomy in general during the Q/A period at the end of the videoconference.

	Grade Level
Student Sheet	3-5	6-8	9-12
Required Activity Materials	3-5	6-8	9-12
Teacher Guide	3-5	6-8	9-12
Pre-Conference Assessment	3-5	6-8	9-12
Pre-Conference Activity	3-5	6-8	9-12
Post-Conference Assessment	3-5	6-8	9-12
Post-Conference Activity	3-5	6-8	9-12
Related TEKS, NSES	3-5	6-8	9-12
Videoconference Evaluation Form	Same for all

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

Downloadable Descriptions

Student Sheet

Student sheets are designed for your students to fill in during the videoconference.

Required Activity Materials Ready In Your Classroom

A list of materials to have on-hand for students engagement during the program.

Teacher Guide for Videoconference Content

Includes potential student answers, descriptions of content found in student sheets, and links that support group learning.

Pre-Conference Assessment

Actvities to help you gauge student understanding before the program.

Pre-Conference Activity

An optional activity that encourages students to discuss and organize the questions they might ask during the conference.

Post-Conference Activity

An optional activity to help students transfer their McDonald Observatory experience back to their science curriculum.

Related TEKS, NSES

This is a document that lists related Texas and National Science Standards for each videoconference.

Videoconference Evaluation Form

We ask that you complete this evaluation form following the videoconference.