A Celestron™ Nexstar 6SE telescope image of a Lunar eclipse, using camera attachment provided as part of the STARS kit. Image courtesy of Celestron™
The Smithsonian Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools (STARS) program is designed with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in mind, and was developed to plug directly into the already accepted curriculum astronomy and STEM curriculum in K-12 public schools.
Grade-appropriate lesson plans for Smithsonian STARS include teacher notes, background information, activities, and student workbooks on topics surrounding the Moon, Sun, planets, constellations, and deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae. Each state's curriculum and individual lesson plans point back directly to state-level science standards, so teachers always know where and how they can be used in the classroom to create meaningful hands-on learning experiences that inspire wonder and engagement and also meet core requirements.
A real image of a Solar eclipse taken with the Celestron™ Nexstar 6SE telescope with solar filter and camera attachment. Image courtesy of Celestron™
STARS Curriculum Elements
Built upon the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), STARS modules are designed plug-and-play for existing curriculum. Our lesson plans are designed around core areas for student learning with age and grade-appropriate content and activities for each grade grouping in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Target objects for observation and study in the STARS program include:
The Moon
The Sun
The Solar System
Constellations
Deep Sky Objects (galaxies, nebulae)
Astrophotography