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HomeWorkshop: Astronomy Intro

Introduction to Astronomy Workshop

For students in grades 4 through 9, this Introduction to Astronomy for beginners is a workshop that will have you literally exploring outer space on your own computer. We will learn to use a planetarium program that you can download for free. Explore the solar system, stars, constellations, and planets.

We will look at various meteorites, rocks from outer space that are older than the Earth! Explore the geology of the planets and moons, and learn how one big impact changed life on Earth.

We will explore current events in space science with rovers and space probes, NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and others. Also learn about the milestones in space exploration and where we are headed in the future.

Learn about the tools of astronomy and the milestones in discovery of how the universe works. Calculate distances in Light Years. Learn about reflector vs. refractor telescopes, and how solar telescopes safely view the hydrogen-helium fusion on the surface of the sun.

Workshop meets at Sci-Tech in Natick FOUR times, 1.5 hours each meeting, for a total of 6 hours. There is an ONLINE version of this workshop given at a different time.

In-person workshop attendees will get to handle meteorites, enjoy a full-dome planetarium show, handle models of rovers and rockets, look through telescopes, and even touch a piece of the moon! You will get a small meteorite to keep.

On-line workshop attendees will get to download a planetarium software for free, and we will mail to you a small meteorite that you can keep. We may be able to let you use a remote telescope account. Sorry you won't be able to touch and hold other things. If you are ever in the Natick area, stop in and we will make it up to you.


Astronomy-Room-2-600x450.jpg

Learn about space science, telescopes, constellations, and meteorites.

Stellarium2.jpg

Learn to use a planetarium program that you can download for free on your own computer. Explore the solar system, stars, constellations, and planets. This is the same software we use in our big planetarium!

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We will look at various meteorites, rocks from outer space that are older than the Earth! Explore the geology of the planets and moons, and learn how one big impact changed life on Earth.

Mars_Rover_Arm_-_800x800.jpeg

We will explore current events in space science with rovers and space probes, NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and others. Also learn about the milestones in space exploration and where we are headed in the future.

telescope-coollight-800x800.jpeg

Learn about the tools of astronomy and the milestones in discovery of how the universe works. Calculate distances in Light Years. Learn about reflector vs. refractor telescopes, and how solar telescopes safely view the hydrogen-helium fusion on the surface of the sun.

2024 Dates


In Person: WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS, May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 4:30-6:00 pm. Members $160, non-members $190.

On Line: WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS, July 10, 17, 24, 31, 5:00-6:30 pm. Zoom link sent a few days before class. Members $130, non-members $160.

In Person: WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS, July 10, 17, 24, 31, 7:00-8:30 pm. Members $160, non-members $190.

Sign up for 4-session workshops on the Calendar.  

Parents, please call ahead before signing up an individual student. We want to gather a group of 4 to 8 students for an optimally sized program.

You can take a virtual tour of the facility to see the planetarium and space science rooms: https://nescitech.org/tour 

+ The lead instructor, Bob Phinney, has been a teacher for 44 years and has taught math, algebra, Latin, French, English, chemistry, astronomy, earth science, geology, electronics, computer programming, woodworking, graphic design, photography, amateur radio, and orienteering. Adult instructors in this program go through CORI/SORI verification.

 

+ Parents are welcome to stay during the workshop to assist their own children, or to hang out in another room and work on their own. WIFI access and a ready supply of coffee, tea, and snacks is available. Most items are $1.00 to $1.50 each.

System Requirements: For the ONLINE course, computer or Chromebook with a large screen, capable of running ZOOM Meeting, either by Zoom app or through a web browser, a web camera with microphone, and a printer.  Most important is a good connection to the Internet. A wired Ethernet connection is best though WiFi will work with a solid signal. Most difficulties with audio and video come from a poor connection to the Internet.


Please be aware of our Cancellation and Refund Policies. For questions, e-mail info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.