Reserve Your Child's Spot
Astronomy for Kids Using Actual Observatory Telescopes
In this 12-session live online course, students, students learn to use professional observatory telescopes in Chile, Australia & the Canary Islands to explore a wide range of astronomy topics. They also capture high-quality images with the telescopes (student image shown, right).
About the Instructor
Prof. Mark Baraket (M.S. Astrophysics UC-Berkeley) is a Certified Science & Space Ambassador with the National Space Society, former NASA researcher and experienced astrophysics educator.
Does your child love astronomy and all things space? This course gives kids the opportunity to experience controlling a professional observatory telescope via remote control, just like a real astronomer! Most astronomers don't live on-site at the observatories, but instead observe and control the telescope from a distance via special tools. Through a partnership with educational telescope provider Slooh, this course teaches students how to use observatory telescopes located in the Canary Islands, Chile and Australia for hands-on astronomy studies.
We'll delve into a wide variety of astronomy topics in the course, exploring our solar system and universe together as a class. Students will also have the opportunity to take their own photos and to create a high-quality poster with their images.
Course includes:
- Twelve 50-minute live Zoom classes with Prof. Mark Baraket (Masters of Science, Astrophysics, UC-Berkeley)
- Twelve printable Review Handouts and printable Certificate of Completion
- Class size capped at 12 students for a small group learning experience
- Zoom recordings available for missed sessions
- Designed for ages 8-13 (grades 3-7). Younger children may participate with parental support.
Recommended Course Materials:
Student Subscription to the Slooh observatory telescope service. A link to sign-up at a discounted student rate ($30 for a full year of access) will be emailed upon registration.
Course Syllabus
Session 1: Introduction to using Slooh observatory tools and navigating the software; initial observations
Session 2: Constellations
Session 3: Our Sun
Session 4: Our Moon
Session 5: Distances of space objects - Solar System, Milky Way and Deep Space
Session 6: Distant Stars
Session 7: Planets in Our Solar System
Session 8: Far Planets
Session 9: Milky Way Galaxy
Session 10: Star Clusters
Session 11: Nebulae
Session 12: Types of Galaxies
To Register, choose a class time below:
Curious Kids Deserve More Than Standard School Curriculum
Why Settle for Textbooks When Your Child Can Explore the Skies?
Go beyond traditional schooling with an in-depth exploration of flight physics, aircraft design and rocketry
Benefit from unique curriculum materials designed by NASA
Engage with interactive simulations and real-world applications
Encourage curious questions and nurture excitement for STEM
Unlock Your Child's Potential in Aviation and Aerospace
Learn directly from Prof. Mark Baraket (M.S. Astrophysics, UC Berkeley, former NASA)
Structured 12-week curriculum with guided review handouts make complex topics easy to understand
Enjoy personalized attention with small classes (max 12 students)
Give your child the wings to explore their future in aviation and aerospace
What Parents are saying
"This is the second class my son has taken with Mark. He is a wonderful teacher and always engaging. My son loves the classes and the information and how real and accessible Mark makes it all. Mark also invites the students to share and discuss topics together."
"Mark is an excellent teacher, and my son thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Astronomy in his class. I would highly recommend Mark's class for any budding space enthusiast!"
"My son has really enjoyed this class. He has learned a lot from it and he's always excited to take the pictures with the telescope. The professor really gives a lot of information but makes it easy for the children to understand. I am very happy we signed him up."
"This course was great. My child enjoyed it greatly and learned not just space facts but also the joy of sharing what they found."
"Awesome class. It was invaluable to have someone who actually worked for NASA teaching my daughter about astronomy. It was a great environment to help grow her interest in all things space-related. Also, he was very encouraging and helped build the confidence of each student."
"My son has taken a couple classes from this instructor and has learned a lot of new information. The guided notes, online tools, and presentations keep him engaged and learning."
From Curious Questions to Confident Aspiring Aviator in 12 Weeks
Weeks 1-4
Dive into the core principles of aeronautics, exploring Newton's Laws of Motion, the four forces of flight (lift, drag, thrust, weight) and Bernoulli's principle.
Weeks 5-8
Uncover the secrets of aircraft design, from wing shapes to fuselage structures. Learn about aerodynamics and how engineers optimize designs for efficiency and performance.
Weeks 9-12
Explore the exciting world of rocketry and the basics of spaceflight. Discover innovations in aeronautics including electric aviation, supersonic flight, drones and helicopters.
What Parents are saying:
"My son loved that Mark, the teacher, had so much actual experience with this topic and kept the kids up to date with actual events. He learned so much!"
"Professor Bakaret is a literal Astrophysicist & can answer questions on any level in aviation and aerospace. He's a valuable resource, I recommend!"
"Fabulously well structured info, child fascinated right up to the 12th Zoom! A great introduction to the full spectrum of aeronautical development. Thank you!"
"An excellent introduction to Aeronautics. The teacher is very professional and knowledgeable. Always welcoming questions. Looking forward to more."
"Prof. Baraket holds high credentials and the fact that our young scholars have an opportunity to learn from him is a gift. Thanks so much."
"My son absolutely loved this class and was engaged the whole time. He's come away quite inspired by aeronautics generally. Highly recommend this class."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Quantum Academy offered classes?
Quantum Academy is a U.S. company focused on providing advanced classes in aeronautics, astronomy and physics for kids. Founded in 2020, we previously offered courses via Outschool under the moniker "Quantum Physics for Kids," teaching over 7000 students and receiving over 1500 5-star reviews. Starting in 2025, we began offering our unique courses directly to parents, at a lower cost than on Outschool and without requiring a monthly membership. Our expert teachers are dedicated to sharing the wonders of physics and science with young learners!
Is this course appropriate for my child's age and skill level?
The course is designed for ages 8-13 (approximately grades 3-7). We have a flexible age policy - younger children can participate with parent support, and older children are welcome if interested. No prior knowledge is required.
How do I enroll more than one child?
To enroll more than one child, please complete the registration form and payment for each child separately.
Will my child stay engaged for the full 12 weeks?
Our interactive format creates genuine excitement that passive video learning can't match. Each session builds anticipation for the next discovery. We have a 97% completion rate across all our courses.
What's your refund policy if my child doesn't enjoy the course?
We offer a satisfaction guarantee. If the course isn't a good match for your learner, you can request withdrawal and receive a pro-rated refund. We can also transfer to another section if there's a schedule conflict.
What technology/equipment does my child need to participate?
An internet-connected computer or tablet. We will email your course details and Zoom access before the first class. If your child would like to capture observatory telescope images, a Slooh telescope account is also needed ($30 for 12 months of access via discount link provided upon registration).
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 1-510-788-1513
Visit the Quantum Academy website to learn more
FAQ:
Is this course appropriate for my child's age and skill level?
Our course is designed for ages 8-13 (approximately grades 3-7). We have a flexible age policy - younger children can participate with parent support, and older children are welcome if interested. No prior knowledge is required.
Will my child stay engaged for the full 12 weeks?
Our interactive format creates genuine excitement that passive video learning can't match. Each session builds anticipation for the next discovery. We have a 97% completion rate across all our courses.
What's your refund policy if my child doesn't enjoy the course?
We offer a satisfaction guarantee. If the course isn't a good match for your learner, you can request withdrawal and receive a pro-rated refund. We can also transfer to another section if there's a schedule conflict.
What technology/equipment does my child need to participate?
Just an internet-connected computer or tablet. We'll set up your course account and Zoom access before the first class.