Program Overview
Afterschool Universe is an astronomy program targeted at middle school children in out-of-school-time settings. Afterschool Universe explores basic astronomy concepts through engaging hands-on activities, and focuses on the Universe outside the solar system.
Afterschool Universe currently consists of 12 sessions. Each session typically requires 45-60 minutes for implementation. The program is flexibly structured and can be implemented on a schedule that best suits your programming needs. It can be run in a variety of settings that include astronomy days, summer camps, or year-long afterschool programming.
Explore the outline of the sessions to see a list of topics covered and how the program is structured.
Although sessions could build on the previous one, each session is intended to be free-standing as not all students will attend every session. A comprehensive manual provides background information and detailed descriptions of how to conduct each activity. Your program is responsible for obtaining all the materials needed to implement
Afterschool Universe at your location.
Each session usually begins with a brief discussion led by the program leader, then moves into a hands-on activity that students participate in, either individually or as part of a group. It then wraps up with a discussion of what was learned through the activity. All the activities are done "in the real world" and do not require the use of a computer. Suggestions for optional Web-based activities are provided for locations with computer access or for at-home extensions.
Intrigued? Check out the Program Details page for more information!
