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Astronomy for school children: educational activities to discover the universe

Bringing the universe closer to students has never been so fascinating. From observing stars and planets with telescopes to discovering the secrets of the Sun or traveling through the cosmos in a digital planetarium, a variety of experiences are offered to awaken the scientific curiosity of children and young people.

The Torcal Astronomical Observatory offers educational activities adapted to different ages and school levels, with two possibilities: enjoy astronomical observations in the surroundings of El Torcal de Antequera or bring astronomy directly to your educational center through the “Aula del Cielo” program.

A different way to learn, experience and discover the universe, both inside and outside the classroom.

Astronomy activities for schools and institutes

The Torcal Astronomical Observatory and Aula del Cielo offer different proposals, so that each educational center can find an experience adapted to its objectives and the level of its students.

1. Nighttime astronomical observations

Discover the stars, the planets, and the secrets of the universe.
When night falls, El Torcal de Antequera becomes a prime location for stargazing, thanks to its position in the heart of the mountains and its distance from the direct light pollution of nearby towns and cities.

During the activity, students will learn to recognize the sky with the naked eye and will be able to observe different celestial bodies using astronomical telescopes.

What will you discover during the observation?

  • The stars and their main characteristics.
  • The constellations and the shapes they form in the sky.
  • The North Star and its usefulness for navigation.
  • The planets visible at the time of the activity.
  • The Moon, its craters, and other details of its surface, when conditions are favorable.
  • Galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, when the lunar phase and sky conditions allow for observation.

The selection of astronomical objects will depend on the time of year, the phase of the Moon, the weather, and the observing conditions.

It is an opportunity to awaken students’ scientific curiosity and help them understand that the night sky is much more than a collection of bright points.

2. Solar Observations: Discover Our Star
The Sun, much more than a light in the sky.
Although we see the Sun every day, its surface and activity conceal surprising phenomena. Using specialized telescopes and appropriate solar filters, students will be able to observe our star in a way they will hardly forget.

During the activity you will learn about the main characteristics of the Sun and we will study different phenomena of its activity.

What will we be able to observe?

  • Sunspots: regions of the photosphere with a lower temperature than their surroundings.
  • Faculae: bright areas associated with solar magnetic activity.
  • Solar granulation: structures that allow us to observe the movement of plasma on the visible surface of the Sun.
  • Prominences and filaments: plasma structures related to activity in the solar atmosphere, observable with specialized equipment.

Different optical systems adapted for solar observation are used to display aspects of the photosphere and chromosphere.

Observations will be subject to solar activity and weather conditions. They will always be conducted using equipment and filters specifically designed for safe solar observation.
This activity can also be offered at the school itself through the Sky Classroom program.
3. Digital Planetariums for Schools

A journey through the universe without leaving school.
Can you imagine discovering the constellations as if you were under a starry sky, traveling to the moon, or exploring other planets without leaving your school?

Thanks to the digital planetariums available at Aula del Cielo, students can enjoy an immersive experience that transforms astronomy into a visual and educational adventure.

There are three different planetarium formats, which are adapted to the size of the group and the facilities of the educational center:

  • Small Planetarium: Capacity for 25 people.
  • Large Planetarium: Capacity for 40 people.
  • Giant Planetarium: Capacity for over 100 people.

The sessions are conducted live, lasting approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, with content adapted to the age, educational level and interests of the students, unless another format is requested.

During the journey through the universe, you can explore the starry sky, learn about the planets of the Solar System, discover other celestial bodies, and understand astronomical phenomena in a visual and participatory way.

Planetariums are set up and taken down on the same day, unless it is agreed that they will remain for a longer period of time.

Aula del Cielo travels to educational centers throughout Andalusia and other territories, bringing the planetarium experience directly to the students.

For which educational stages are they recommended?

Astronomy activities can be adapted to different ages and educational levels.

Early Childhood and Primary Education

A first approach to the universe through the Moon, stars, constellations, and planets. Lunar observations and planetarium sessions are especially appealing for this age group.

Compulsory Secondary Education

An experience to delve deeper into the Solar System, orientation using the stars, solar activity and deep sky objects, as well as approaching astronomical observation as a scientific tool.

High school and other educational groups

Contact the staff at Aula del Cielo; they will study proposals adapted to the content and objectives of the group, according to the activity requested and their availability.

The specific activity and content will be determined according to the age of the students, the number of participants, the dates and the conditions of implementation.

Organize your astronomical activity

If you are planning a school trip, an extracurricular activity, or a science-focused day, contact the staff at Aula del Cielo and the Torcal Astronomical Observatory to explore the possibilities.