Space Science Websites

Sungazer
http://www.sungazer.net/index.html
Grade Level: 4th-6th
You can't usually stare at the sun, but here, you can. This site provides several ways to see the sun close up. Includes images, equipment needed, resources, and podcasts

Strengths:
• great high-res photos to bring space and the sun into a more realistic scope
• allows kids to see what it takes to be a scientist and research space, with details about equipment and other resources to further learning
Weaknesses:
• this site is narrowly focused on the sun and solar energy
• the should have more information about what is being shown

Cool Cosmos
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Learn about infrared light through fun games, cool movies, images, and more. Classroom activities and a Spanish-language version of the site are also available. You'll need the free Flash plug-in to access the Flash version of the site. HTML version also available.

Strengths:
• this site will take up tons of time if you want it to, it holds lots of interesting information and things to do for kids.
• there is a great "ask an astronomer for kids" section that answers a ton of common questions about space
Weaknesses:
• this site is not directly about space, but about inferred light

Hubble Telescope: Black Holes
http://hubblesite.org/explore_astronomy/black_holes/
Grade Level: 4th-6th
Take an interactive voyage into the universe of black holes with the folks who operate the Hubble Space Telescope.

Strengths:
• this is a great interactive site that allows students to explore space, and specifically black holes
Weaknesses:
• te language in this site is a bit advanced but younger kids could still play with the games and searching tools

The Space Place
http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/index.shtml
Grade Level: K-6th
This NASA site offers information and activities about the upcoming deep space probe missions.

Strengths:
• this site has tons to do for young kids as well as older students who need information for research, etc.
Weaknesses:
• It is bothersome that this site uses almost all animated imagery rather than real photos of elements in space

Window to the Universe
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
Grade Level: 3rd-6th
Attractively presented and very informative--this site provides an introduction to the Universe. Topics include, "Our Planet," "Space Missions," "Our Solar System," "People," and much more.

Strengths:
• this site is very well organized and easy to find information on specific aspects of the solar system and space science
• this site is in both english and spanish and you can select what level of information you want, beginner, intermediate or advanced
Weaknesses:
• there are many places for kids to click off the site which could prove a distraction and be confusing