Read Across America - ABCs of Space
Join McDonald Observatory as we read ABCs of Space by Chris Ferrie and Dr. Julia Kregenow. We know the alphabet, and we will discover an astronomy word that goes with each letter of the alphabet. We will go in-depth with some of the words with demos and experiments you can try in your classroom.
This session is geared towards grades K-5, but all ages will enjoy and learn in this session!
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
Please note: This is a recording from a live program, read with permission from SourceBooks. The link to the recording will be emailed to you after registration. Access to the recording is available through May 31, 2022. No copies of the recording are permitted.
Read Across America - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are
Join McDonald Observatory as we read Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are, by astrophysicist Dr. Julia Kregenow. As we sing through this classic song, you'll learn why stars twinkle, what kinds of stars there are, and so much more!
Following the reading, we'll try a few little experiments to help us understand these scientific concepts and vocabulary.
This session is geared towards grades 2-6, but all ages will enjoy and learn in this session!
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
Please note: This is a recording from a live program, read with permission from SourceBooks. The link to the recording will be emailed to you after registration. Access to the recording is available through May 31, 2022. No copies of the recording are permitted.
Earth Day: Preserve Dark Skies
Join McDonald Observatory and learn about light and light pollution. We'll talk about the night sky, and how animals and humans need the night sky, and we will learn some things that kids (and adults) can do to fight light pollution.
A recording will be available after the April 27 program, please register for the "Recording" session on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
Astronomy Day: Solar Views and Moon Systems
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.
A recording will be available after the April 27 program, please register for the "Recording" session on Connect2Texas.
ExciteSpace! Observe the Sun
McDonald Observatory is a great place to observe the stars, and during the school day, the star that we are able to observe is ‘our’ star, the Sun. In this recorded program, students will observe our Sun using a K-12 dedicated telescope. They will have the opportunity to make drawings of the sun and make STEM connections in astronomy.
A recording will be available after the April 6 and 7 programs, please register for the "Recording" session on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
ExciteSpace! Meet Mr. McDonald
Come visit McDonald Observatory without leaving your home or classroom! Learn about Mr. McDonald, who loved nature and science. Explore what happens here and how astronomers use telescopes to study all kinds of things in the universe. Students will be guided on a virtual tour of the 2.1-meter Otto Struve Telescope, and we will discuss together the things that make McDonald Observatory a great place to do astronomy.
A recording will be available after the April 14 programs, please register for the "Recording" session on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
ExciteSpace! Super Big Telescope Tour
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.
A recording will be available after the March 25 programs, please register for the "Recording" session on Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas).
