Welcome to the Howard Astronomical League’s resource hub for students, teachers, and families. Explore space through interactive tools, educational activities, and real-world experiences—including our own Solar System Walk right here in Howard County.
Featured Local Experience: HAL Solar System Walk
Explore the Solar System at scale
Take a walking tour that models our solar system with proportional distances and planet sizes. Perfect for students and families to visualize the vastness of space in a hands-on way.
- Best for: Grades 3–12
- Skills: Spatial reasoning, planetary science, physical activity
- Try this: Calculate how long it would take light to reach each planet from the Sun using the scale model!
1. Interactive Tools & Simulations
- NASA Eyes on the Solar System – Explore the solar system in 3D with real NASA mission data.
- PhET Gravity & Orbits Simulations – Hands-on demos for orbits, gravity, and space physics.
- Stellarium Web – A planetarium in your browser. View the current night sky from any location.
2. Kid-Friendly Astronomy Sites
- NASA Space Place – Games, facts, and activities for Grades 3–6.
- ESA Kids – Puzzles, animations, and space science basics from the European Space Agency.
- Arjun’s Online Summer Astronomy Camp – Educational meetups late June-July for ages 8-14 (limited to 15 participants)
3. Lesson Plans & Printables
- NASA Resources: Lesson Plans – Searchable list of lessons and activities.
- JPL Education Resources – Hands-on activities for K–12 with NGSS alignment.
- Night Sky Network Activities – Printable projects and outreach tools.
4. Hands-On Projects
- Build a Scale Model Solar System: Use string, chalk, or paper rolls to mark out planetary distances.
- Create a Planisphere: Download a star wheel to identify constellations in your sky.
- Make a Spectroscope: Use a CD and paper tube to explore light spectra.
5. Videos & Explainers
- CrashCourse Astronomy – 47-video series with Phil Plait for ages 10+.
- SciShow Kids – Fun space explainers for younger learners.
- PBS Space Time – Deep dives into cosmology and astrophysics (Grades 9–12).
- PBS Website for Space Time
6. Observing the Night Sky
- Sky & Telescope: This Week’s Sky at a Glance – Weekly skywatching guide.
- SkyView Lite App – Identify stars and planets using your mobile device.
7. Astronomy Careers & Inspiration
- NASA Careers – Learn about jobs in space science and exploration.
- Ask an Astronomer (Cornell) – Real questions answered by astronomers.
8. Coming Soon from HAL
- Classroom Visit Kits
- Printable Night Sky Guides
- Astronomy Club Starter Pack for schools