Dear Teachers,
The Cincinnati Observatory Center welcomes you and your group to experience the wonders of the sky through our numerous telescopes. Our staff and volunteers enjoy nothing more than sharing the views of the universe with others.
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
The COC's Educational Outreach provides classes and programs designed for your specific needs as an educator. Whether it is a simple educational field trip, matching proficiency requirements, in-depth course work or teacher training. We have the personnel and resources to fulfill your goals. Set in a fully functional 19th century observatory, yet using the best modem tools of today, our instructors are experienced in engaging students of all ages.
DELIVERING THE UNIVERSE TO YOU!
The Educational Outreach programs are also designed to visit your classroom. Our programs are hands-on, interactive, inquiry based, designed to fit your curriculum and geared to your students' grade level.
WHAT SORT OF SUBJECTS DO WE TEACH?
We can design a specific program for your class. Topics include: The Moon, Eclipses, Tides, Seasons, Planets, Stars and Constellations, Comets, Cosmic Mythology, Sun, Telescopes, Space Missions, Stellar Evolution, Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, Galileo, and the History of the Cincinnati Observatory (the oldest professional observatory in the US).
VISITS TO THE OBSERVATORY
Daytime:
Solar observing using white light and hydrogen alpha filters. Students will be able to see sunspots and solar flares. Lunar viewing during the day, near the 3rd quarter moon. Check your calendars.
Nighttime:
Viewing through the world's oldest, continuously used telescope. The Observatory uses an 11" refracting telescope dating back to 1842, a 1904 16" refractor, and can utilize other portable telescopes. Astronomy video presentations and classroom activities are offered if viewing is not possible.
History Tours:
Both day and nighttime visits include a historic tour of the oldest professional observatory in America. Cincinnati is the "Birthplace of Astronomy in America" and originally had the World's second largest telescope.
PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT:
Due to the nature of working in darkness is as well as the function of the telescopes, there are safety concerns. If you are planning a visit to the Observatory click here for what to expect, FAQs, and rules.
In the dark about teaching astronomy this year? We can help you find direction in the stars above. Led by Outreach Astronomer Dean Regas, the workshops will provide stellar astronomy activities for your classroom and get you connected to local and national astronomy resources. Great for professional development. Teachers of all grade levels welcome.
"Astronomy for Teachers"
At the historic Cincinnati Observatory Center
Workshops geared toward teachers interested in learning more about astronomy as well as activities to use in the classroom. Led by Dean Regas, Outreach Astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory, these sessions will open your eyes to the heavens above and having you talking astronomy all week.
Cost: $10 per session
To register please call Dean Regas at 513-321-5186.
OTHER CLASSES & PROGRAMS AT THE OBSERVATORY:
Visit our Programs & Events page for additional educational & observing opportunities.
