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.

PARTICIPATE IN AN UPCOMING PROGRAM

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.

 

Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors, Oh My!

Join your friends at McDonald Observatory as we discuss the structure and characteristics of these objects that zoom around our Solar System. This is also a great preview for the Leonid meteor shower that will peak on November 17 and 18, 2025.

This session is geared towards 3rd - 8th graders, but all ages will enjoy and learn in this session.

  • Cost: Free
  • Grades: 3rd - 8th 
  • Dates and Times: November 5, 10 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.
  • Length: 45 minutes

Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to each program.

 

Starlight to Supernova: Lives of Stars with McDonald Observatory

What is a star? Where do they come from? Do stars have a life?

Join educators from McDonald Observatory to explore the life cycles of stars, starting with atoms in the interstellar medium, and ending with stellar remnants, including black holes.

  • Cost: Free
  • Grades: 5th - 12th 
  • Dates and Times:
    • December 9, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm
    • December 10, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
  • Length: 45 minutes

Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to each program.

 

Spotlight Session! Lives of Stars for Grades 2-6

What is a star? Where do they come from? Do stars have a life?

Join educators from McDonald Observatory to explore the life cycles of stars, starting with atoms in the interstellar medium, and ending with stellar remnants, including black holes.

This session towards 2nd - 6th graders, but learners of all ages will enjoy and learn in this session 

  • Cost: Free
  • Grades: 2nd - 6th 
  • Dates and Times: December 12, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
  • Length: 45 minutes

Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to each program.

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 2024 K-12 Education programs
  • The Alfred S. Gage Foundation
  • The Fash Foundation
  • The George and Cynthia Mitchell Foundation Educational Endowment
  • The Keenan and Gaines Educational Endowment for McDonald Observatory
  • 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 Intiatives, a Friends Membership, or planned gift.