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Model Moon phases and build a space exhibit in this 3-week astronomy program for grades 1–3 on Bryn Mawr College’s campus.
Instructor:
Course Description
Why does the Moon seem to change shape, and how can a shadow reveal Earth’s movement? Students begin as sky detectives, recording wonder questions in a space journal and using spheres, flashlights, star maps, and simple observations to explore patterns they can see.
Next, the class moves outward. Students create a walkable solar-system model, compare rocky planets and giant worlds, test how impacts form craters, and design a rover or lander for the conditions on a chosen planet or moon. A light-and-orbit demonstration introduces how astronomers discover planets beyond our solar system.
The final week brings stars, galaxies, and the scale of the universe into view through image sorting, sequencing, art, and nesting models. Teams create a Space Discovery Museum exhibit with a model or interactive visual, labeled explanation, surprising fact, and short presentation.
This 3-week Summer Discovery individual course takes place at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, for students in grades 1–3. It meets in the afternoon and is available to commuter students. The broader Summer Discovery experience connects hands-on learning with campus life, new friendships, growing confidence, and curiosity students can keep exploring.
Why Astronomy Skills Matter
Astronomy gives young learners a reason to look closely, notice patterns, and ask better questions. When students model Moon phases or compare planets, they learn that a scientific explanation must match what can be observed. Testing and revising a rover model makes the same idea physical.
The scale of space also builds flexible thinking. Students move between familiar objects, pictures, maps, and models to understand something far larger than they can see at once. Explaining a discovery to classmates strengthens vocabulary, sequencing, and the ability to make a complex idea clear.
What Will You Do?
Astronomy gives young learners a reason to look closely, notice patterns, and ask better questions. When students model Moon phases or compare planets, they learn that a scientific explanation must match what can be observed. Testing and revising a rover model makes the same idea physical.
The scale of space also builds flexible thinking. Students move between familiar objects, pictures, maps, and models to understand something far larger than they can see at once. Explaining a discovery to classmates strengthens vocabulary, sequencing, and the ability to make a complex idea clear.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Explain selected sky patterns using observations and simple models
• Compare planets, stars, and galaxies using age-appropriate evidence
• Construct and present a model that communicates an astronomy idea
Students will leave with a space journal, hands-on models, and a museum exhibit, along with new astronomy skills and curiosity to keep exploring.
Why Bryn Mawr?
Bryn Mawr gives elementary students a welcoming place to spend the day learning, creating, and meeting new friends. Its historic, tree-lined setting near Philadelphia makes a summer class feel special and collegiate while remaining close enough for students to return home each afternoon.
The commuter-day format combines hands-on academics with a clear daily routine, shared activities, and Summer Discovery support throughout the program day. Students can try something new, build confidence through participation, and enjoy the fun of learning on a college campus without an overnight stay. For families, Bryn Mawr offers a thoughtful balance of creativity, academic challenge, friendship, and age-appropriate independence in a structured day-program environment.
Who Should Attend?
This course is for students entering grades 1–3 who ask big questions about the Moon, planets, stars, or space travel. It welcomes children who enjoy drawing, building, observing, pretending, or sharing surprising facts.
Students should be ready to work with classmates, use simple tools and materials, record ideas with words or pictures, and explain a model during a supportive final presentation. No prior astronomy experience is expected.
View the eligibility requirements for the Institute for the Gifted on our FAQ page. A completed Summer Discovery application is required.
After successfully finishing this course, you will be awarded a certification completion for your accomplishment.
*This is a preview, not what you will receive