A practical STEM kit for introducing children and beginners to astronomy. This lightweight telescope on an azimuth mount sets up in minutes and allows for educational observations of the Moon, bright planets, and terrestrial objects. Perfect for clubs, home studies, and school projects.
Educational Goals:
- Understand telescope and eyepiece principles, field of view, and magnification
- Master targeting with the finder scope and celestial navigation (Polar Star, major constellations)
- Observe Moon phases, Jupiter's moons, and planetary visibility changes
- Maintain an observation journal, compare conditions (weather, light pollution, object altitude)
- Develop precision, patience, and research skills
What's Included:
- Telescope with 90° diagonal for comfortable viewing
- Optical finder scope for quick targeting
- Adjustable aluminum tripod and simple azimuth mount
- Eyepiece(s) for different magnification levels
- Basic assembly and operation instructions
Example Activities and Mini-Projects:
- First Light: assembly, finder scope alignment, Moon search
- Moon Map: sketching 5-7 notable craters and seas, comparison at different magnifications
- Jupiter's Moons: observing their positions on different evenings, creating a simple table
- Magnification Rainbow: how brightness and contrast change with different eyepieces
- Orientation: finding the North Star and determining cardinal directions
- Daily Motion: tracking object movement in the field of view and discussing Earth's rotation
Set Features:
- Intuitive azimuth mount - smooth vertical and horizontal targeting
- Compact optics and lightweight tripod - easy to take outdoors or to school
- Suitable for astronomy and terrestrial observations during the day
Recommendations for Teachers/Parents:
- Start with low magnification, then progress to higher
- Allow eyes 10-15 minutes to adapt to darkness
- Maintain a shared observation journal for the class/family
Age |
8+ years (with adult supervision) |
Contents |
Telescope, tripod, eyepieces, finder scope, diagonal, instruction manual |
Safety |
Never point telescope at Sun without professional solar filter, use tripod on flat surface, keep small parts away from young children |
Educational Value |
Teaches astronomy principles, observational skills, scientific method, and patience |
Perfect for schoolchildren, parents, educators, STEM clubs; for home experiments, extracurricular activities, and as a gift for young researchers.