Young Children as Scientists: Revisiting My Sky Tonight - October 21, 2025

Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2025 at 11:00 AM (PDT)

Registration closes Tuesday, October 21 at 9am Pacific Time

Workshop takes place Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 11 - 12:30pm PT / 2 - 3:30pm ET

My Sky Tonight was a collaborative program and research initiative focused on engaging 3 to 5-year-old children in science practices through hands-on astronomy activities, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The project team created a set of research-based, hands-on astronomy activities that are rich in science practices and designed to be developmentally appropriate for pre-K children, covering topics such as changing shadows, Moon phases, day and night, and space exploration.

This workshop will share best practices of working with young children, some of the online assets available to informal educators, and activities that are frequently used by libraries, museums, and parks. In addition, we will share a list of materials used for running the activities, and instructions for crafting your own substitutes or how you can buy the original kit of materials.

Participants will gain the following through participation in the workshop:

  • Guidelines for engaging with young children
  • Discussion among participants sharing experiences with engaging young learners
  • Activity ideas
  • Strategies we have found successful at engaging learners of all ages
  • Access to astronomy experts who will facilitate the workshop
  • A certificate of completion for participating in 2 clock hours of professional development.

Registration: $40

Attendance/Refund Policy

Live attendance is strongly encouraged and expected in order to get the most out of the interactive session. A recording will be available for those who cannot attend live or who would like to review the content. Full refund is available for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you need to cancel please email learn@astrosociety.org.


Theresa Summer

Astronomy Educator

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Theresa Summer has been active in astronomy education since 1998. She shares her love for astronomy with everyone… in planetariums, museums, classrooms, tutoring and public observing events.

At the ASP since 2016, Theresa has been developing programs to spread astronomy and science literacy around the globe. She is the creator of the “Confidence & Curiosity: Girls at the Telescope” workshop and award winning video series, as part of NASA’s Girl Scouts Reaching for the Stars, the team that produced the GS Space Science badges

With a specific focus on social justice and increasing opportunities for marginalized voices, Theresa’s secret mission in life is to make science more welcoming to all. She believes that science is for everyone, and is an important part of being an active citizen in today’s world.

Components visible upon registration.