Looking for some pre-visit or post-visit classroom activities, then check out our Astronomy Activities Book.

SPECIAL REPORT: In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to reclassify Pluto as a 'dwarf planet' in light of recent discoveries. The TEA issued the following statement regarding this decision and how it affects TEKS and TAKS. You can download that right here.

For more information regarding the IAU's resolution to formally define planet status, click here.

The saga of Pluto's status continues to evolve. In June 2008, the IAU adopted the term 'Plutoid' to refer to Pluto and all the other icy worlds beyond Neptune. Read more about this here.

Larry Cat in Space AGES: 3-5 30 minutes	Science K.5 (B) observes and identifies patterns including seasons...day and night...
Sky Quest GRADES: K-3 20 minutes	Science K.5 (B) observes and identifies patterns including seasons...day and night... Science 1.5 (A) sort objects [planets and stars] and events based upon properties and patterns Science. 2.7 The student is expected to (D) observe changes in the night sky Science 3.11 The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky. (A) identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun and (B) describe the characteristics of the Sun.
The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket GRADES: K-3 35 minutes	Science K.5 (B) observes and identifies patterns including seasons...day and night... Science 1.5 (A) sort objects [planets and stars] and events based upon properties and patterns Science. 2.7 The student is expected to (D) observe changes in the night sky Science 3.11 The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky. (A) identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun and (B) describe the characteristics of the Sun.
The Cowboy Astronomer GRADES: 4-8 45 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identifies patterns of change such as in...objects in the sky. Science 5.6(A) Identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in … lunar and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13(A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, and asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. The student is expected to (A) identify and illustrate how the tilt of the Earth on its axis as it rotates and revolves around the Sun causes changes in the season and length of day. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe
More than Meets the Eye GRADES: 4-12 30 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identify patterns of change such as in ... objects in the sky. Science 5.6 (A) identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in ... lunar, and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13 (A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. The student is expected to (A) identify and illustrate how the tilt of the Earth on its axis as it rotates and revolves around the Sun causes changes in the season and length of day. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe. IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications...
Star Signs GRADES: 4-12 25 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identify patterns of change such as in ... objects in the sky. Science 5.6 (A) identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in ... lunar, and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13 (A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. The student is expected to (A) identify and illustrate how the tilt of the Earth on its axis as it rotates and revolves around the Sun causes changes in the season and length of day. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe. IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications...
The Stars over Texas GRADES: 2-12 20-30 minutes	Science. 2.7 The student is expected to (D) observe changes in the night sky Science 3.11 The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials and objects in the sky. (A) identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun and (B) describe the characteristics of the Sun. Science 4.6(A) identify patterns of change such as in ... objects in the sky. Science 5.6 (A) identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in ... lunar, and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13 (A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. The student is expected to (A) identify and illustrate how the tilt of the Earth on its axis as it rotates and revolves around the Sun causes changes in the season and length of day. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe. IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications...
Destination: Pluto GRADES: 4-6 45 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identifies patterns of change such as in...objects in the sky. Science 5.6(A) Identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in … lunar and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13(A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, and asteroids, and moons.
The Planets GRADES: 7-9 40 minutes	Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. The student is expected to (A) identify and illustrate how the tilt of the Earth on its axis as it rotates and revolves around the Sun causes changes in the season and length of day. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information.
Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather GRADES: 4-8 45 minutes	Science 4.6 (A) identify patterns of change such as in weather, metamorphosis, and objects in the sky; Science 6.4 (A) The student is expected to collect, analyze, and record information using tools including ...weather instruments... Science 6.14 (C) The student is expected to describe components of the atmosphere, including oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor, and identify the role of atmospheric movement in weather change. Science 7.4 (A) The student is expected to collect, analyze, and record information using tools including ...weather instruments... Science 8.4 (A) The student is expected to collect, analyze, and record information using tools including ...weather instruments... Science 8.10 (B) The student is expected to describe interactions among solar, weather, and ocean systems.
Hubble Vision GRADES: 4-12 30 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identifies patterns of change such as in...objects in the sky. Science 5.6(A) Identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in … lunar and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13(A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, and asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Oceans in Space GRADES: 9-12 30 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Native American Skies GRADES: 4-8 45 minutes	History 4.1 The student understands the similarities and differences of Native-American groups in Texas and the Western Hemisphere before European exploration. The student is expected to...(B) compare the ways of life of Native-American groups in Texas and the Western Hemisphere before European exploration. History 5.4 The student understands political, economic, and social changes that occurred in the United States during the 19th century. The student is expected to...(G) identify the challenges, opportunities, and contributions of people from selected Native-American...groups. Social Studies 6.4 (B) identify and explain the geographic factors responsible for patterns of population in places and regions. Social Studies 6.7 (A) identify and analyze ways people have adapted to the physical environment in selected places and regions. History 7.2 The student understands how individuals, events, and issues prior to the Texas Revolution shaped the history of Texas … (A) compare the cultures of Native Americans in Texas prior to European colonization. History 8.5 The student understands the challenges confronted by the government and its leaders in the early years of the Republic. The student is expected to...(G) analyze federal and state Indian policies...
Navigating with Lewis and Clark GRADES: 4-8 30 minutes	Science 4.6 (A) Identify patterns of change such as in … objects in the sky. History 4.2 (A) Summarize reasons for European exploration and settlement of … the Western Hemisphere. (B) Identify the accomplishments of significant explorers (Lewis and Clark). History 5.1 (A) Explain when, where, and why groups of people colonized and settled the United States. Social Studies 6.4 (B) identify and explain the geographic factors responsible for patterns of population in places and regions. Social Studies 6.7 (A) identify and analyze ways people have adapted to the physical environment in selected places and regions. History 7.2 (B) Identify important individuals, events, and issues related to European exploration and colonization… History 8.2 (A) Identify reasons for European exploration and colonization of North America.
The Christmas Star GRADES: 4-12 30 minutes	Science 4.6(A) identifies patterns of change such as in...objects in the sky. Science 5.6(A) Identify events and describe changes that occur on a regular basis such as in … lunar and seasonal cycles. Science 6.13(A) Identify characteristics of objects in our solar system including the Sun, planets, meteorites, comets, and asteroids, and moons. Science 7.13 The student knows the components of our solar system. Science 8.13 The student knows the characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to (A) describe the characteristics of the universe such as stars and galaxies; (B) explain the use of light years to describe distances in the universe IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
The Endless Horizon GRADES: 9-12 45 minutes	World History (23) Science, Technology, and Society...(A) give examples of major mathematical and scientific discoveries and technical innovations...(D) describe the origins of the scientific revolution in 16th century Europe...(E) identify the contributions of significant scientists such as ... Copernicus, Erastosthenes, Galileo, and Pythagorus. World History (24) Science, Technology, and Society... (C) identify the contributions of significant scientists and inventors such as ... Albert Einstein, ... Sir Isaac Newton, ... World Geography (20) Science, Technology, and Society...(A) describe the impact of new technologies... IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Cosmic Perceptions GRADES: 9-12 30 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Galaxies GRADES: 9-12 40 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Quasars and Supermassive Black Holes GRADES: 9-12 20 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Search for Life in the Universe GRADES: 9-12 30 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Through the Eyes of Hubble GRADES: 9-12 45 minutes	IPC(5) The student knows the effects of waves on everyday life. The student is expected to (C) identifies uses of electromagnetic waves in various technological applications... IPC(3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information. Physics (3) The student will (A) analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypothesis and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidences and information.
Journey into the Living Cell GRADES: 9-12 30 minutes	Biology (4) The student knows that cells are the basic structures of all living things and have specialized parts that perform specific functions... Biology (6) The student knows the structures and functions of nucleic acids in the mechanisms of genetics.