<a href="http://www.kidsastronomy.com/" target="_blank">KidsAstronomy.com</a>
Astronomy for children, students, and kids of all ages. KidsAstronomy.com, part of the <a href="http://www.kidsknowit.com/" target="_blank">KidsKnowIt Network</a>, is the absolutely free astronomy resource designed to teach children about the exciting world of outer space.

<span style="color: #ff6600">To support your astronomy curriculum, check out the following Web sites for science project ideas, lesson plans, and more:</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.globe.gov/GaN" target="_blank">GLOBE at Night</a></strong>
Find easy-to-follow instructions for participating in this project at this site, where students can also record their observations of the night sky. Prior to the star-hunting event, students can log on to learn about Orion's role in Greek mythology, star magnitude, and other topics.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.astronomy2009.org/" target="_blank">International Year of Astronomy 2009</a></strong>
A list of global projects designed to promote awareness of astronomy and dark skies. Some activities are too advanced for elementary school students.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.globe.gov/" target="_blank">The GLOBE Program</a></strong>
Abundant resources for integrating related lessons about such topics as atmosphere and climate, clouds, and hydrology.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.400years.org/" target="_blank">400 Years of the Telescope</a></strong>
Information about a new documentary that follows astronomical discoveries starting from Galileo's first peek through the telescope. The site offers a viewing schedule and "Profiles in Astronomy" that may serve as excellent bases for history lessons.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.hands-on-optics.org/" target="_blank">Hands-On Optics</a></strong>
Six modules for teaching about optics. Lessons range from studies of lasers to magnification and communicating with light.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.darksky.org/" target="_blank">The International Dark-Sky Association</a></strong>
Lessons about the solar system and the effects of light pollution on wildlife, as well as science, writing, and art projects for students ages 7-12.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600"><strong><a class="external-link" href="http://www.noao.edu/" target="_blank">National Optomical Astronomy Observatory</a></strong>
Contact Connie Walker at (520) 318-8000 to apply for a Light Pollution Education Tool Kit, which contains instructions, CDs, tips for demonstrations on light pollution, and a sky-quality meter.</span>

<span style="color: #ff6600">Thanks to Hilary Masell Oswald, a freelance writer in Denver and <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/" target="_blank">Edutopia</a>.</span>