DLESE description of StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers

The StarChild website, a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC)/NASA, offers a wealth of information on space science for young astronomers and teachers who are searching for space science activities for young learners. Each of these major topics are covered in an age appropriate manner, either for Level 1 or Level 2 learners: Solar System, Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary. Links are provided between Level 1 and Level 2 versions of pages so that differences in difficulty can be easily compared. The basics of the Solar System and Universe are covered, as well as human endeavors in Space Stuff, such as astronauts, space wardrobes, space travel, space probes, the Hubble Space Telescope, and Who's Who in Space. Difficult words are linked from the text to a glossary. Questions are posed after many of the textual explanations and interactive activities can be accessed within each topic. The activities can be used via the Web or with pencil and paper. Links are provided to other educational space science sites.