Reserve Your Child's Spot
Astrophysics with Observatory Telescopes
In this 12-session live online course, students explore astrophysics and astronomy topics while using professional-quality observatory telescopes! Students capture stunning images of astronomical phenomena (example student image to the 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 have a strong interest in astronomy or astrophysics? They can explore advanced astrophysics topics with an actual astrophysicist!
This course explores fascinating topics in astronomy and astrophysics, while capturing images of astronomical phenomena with professional observatory telescopes! Astrophysics course content includes origins of our solar system and galaxy, the birth & death of stars, star classification, The Drake Equation, black body radiation and Newton's Law of Gravitation.
During the course, students will work on building their own collection of Messier Catalog images. The Messier Catalogue is a famous catalogue among astronomers - it details many deep-sky objects such as galaxies, globular clusters and nebulae. It encompasses some of the best objects to see in the night sky with a telescope.
Course includes:
- Twelve 50-minute live Zoom classes with Prof. Mark Baraket (Masters of Science, Astrophysics)
- 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 Slooh observatory telescope service. A link to sign-up at discounted student rate ($30 for a full year of access) will be emailed upon registration.
If a Slooh telescope account was previously purchased for the "Astronomy for Kids with Observatory Telescopes" course, it can continue to be used for this course. Note: If your learner is not interested in capturing their own observatory telescope images, it is also possible to participate in this course to learn about astrophysics without utilizing a Slooh account.
Course Syllabus
Session 1: Origin of Our Solar System & The Drake Equation
Session 2: Rocky Planets and Their Moons
Session 3: Comets, Meteors, Asteroids, Oh My!
Session 4: The Interstellar Medium
Session 5: Newton's Law of Gravitation
Session 6: How Do We Classify Stars?
Session 7: Escape Velocity
Session 8: Black Body Radiation: Stefan-Boltzmann Law, Wein Law
Session 9: Black Body Radiation: Planck's Law
Session 10: How to Build a Galaxy
Session 11: Origins of the Big Bang
Session 12: The Stuff The Universe Is Made Of
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
"The information presented is something the kids enjoy and absorb well. The interactions with Mark are appreciated and he is supportive in them asking questions as they are going through a lot of information. My son has appreciated the classes and taken away quality information."
"Excellent instructor! Able to communicate well and branch the space between a higher end subject and kids that are interested. Highly recommend."
"Challenging but effective class for my 8 year old lover of the universe! Please keep the Prof. Mark classes coming!"
"Mr. Mark is an amazing teacher, and his class is fantastic. He explains information in a way that’s clear and easy for kids to understand, which makes learning about space exciting and fun. He always keeps students up to date on what’s happening in space right now, so they feel connected to real discoveries and events. One of the coolest parts is that students get discounted access to a website called Slooh to take their own incredible space pictures using real observatory grade telescopes. It’s an awesome class!"
"Mr. B is an amazing teacher! Very interactive with the class which made it even more enjoyable for my daughter. Enrolled in the next course with Mr. B!"
"Our son has participated in many classes offered by Mark. He always learns new things and is engaged the entire time."
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.