BBC - Programmes - Stargazing LIVE

BBC Learning have created some engaging resources to bring astronomy to life in the classroom.
And you can even tune into a LIVE lesson for Stargazing LIVE Schools Day.

Interactive

Live Webcast with Professor Brian Cox (KS2-4)
As part of this exclusive session, on 19 January school children across the country had the chance to put their astronomy questions directly to one of the nation's favourite science teachers, Professor Brian Cox. Watch Now

Stargazing Space Music
Listen to music inspired by the 'sounds' of planets, pulsars, and even matter falling into a black hole.
• Track 1 - London Group
• Track 2 - Glasgow Group
• Track 3 - Salford Group
• Behind-the-Scenes Film

Jobs with the Stars (KS3)

Ever wondered how to get into the space industry? Us too - so we tracked down some experts.
Get the inside story from people in astronomy, astrophysics, building satellites and even an astronaut.
To read their CVs you'll need Adobe Acrobat.

Tim Peake - UK Astronaut
Astronaut is the dream job for many children, but what do you need to do to be one, and what exactly do they get up to? UK astronaut Tim Peake reveals all. Read Tim's CV (PDF 112KB).

Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock - Space Scientist
Some people find reading and writing more of a challenge than others which can make school work a real pain. Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock tells us how she overcame her difficulties and discovered a passion for science. Read Maggie's CV (PDF 111KB).

Marek Kukula - Public Astronomer
Here at Stargazing we're keen to encourage people to look up at the stars, and as public astronomer at Greenwich Royal Observatory that's Marek Kukula's job too. Read Marek's CV (PDF 114KB).

Lewis Dartnell - Astrobiologist
Every week more exoplanets - planets that orbit distant stars - are discovered, and some of them could be capable of supporting life. Lewis Dartnell hopes to discover what they'd be like. Read Lewis' CV (PDF 117KB).

Ben Boyes - Mars Rover Systems Engineer
We went to Astrium, a company which builds satellites and probes, to talk to Ben Boyes who's working on the ExoMars 2018 Rover project which will one day make its way across the surface of Mars! Read Ben's CV (PDF 109KB).

A Short Guide to Stars
If you've been inspired by our Jobs with the Stars videos and want to learn more about astronomy, watch this short film to find out lots of interesting facts about the science of stars.

Blue Peter Stargazing Challenges (KS2)

Scale Model of the Solar System Using Fruit
How big is space? Helen Czerski helps a group of children see the scale of the Solar System using some unusual ingredients

Earth, Sun and Moon Orbits
Jem Stansfield sends a group of children rotating around to figure out the orbits of our planet, our star and our nearest neighbour, the Moon.

Phases of the Moon
Helen Czerski helps one boy find out the about the phases of the Moon, and how you can recreate them at home or in the classroom.

The Seasons
Why do we have seasons? Helen Czerski and two curious children investigate, with the help of a torch and a globe.

Making Rockets
3, 2, 1 blastoff! Jem Stansfield helps one group of children fire their own rockets and learn about how space flight happens.

Telescopes
What is a telescope? Jem Stansfield helps a group of children make their own and use it to look to the skies.

KS2 Teacher's Pack
Teachers notes and worksheets to accompany the Blue Peter Stargazing challenges (PDF 821KB). Adobe Acrobat required.

Early Years and KS1 Teacher's Pack

Enjoy these specially commissioned striking and inspirational films, narrated by John Simm.
First broadcast as part of the Learning Zone on BBC Two on 10 January 2012.

Little Stargazing 1: The Moon and the Sea
Where does the Moon go during the day? How come it changes shape? Why does it cause tides? Experts help the children use telescopes and answer questions.

Little Stargazing 2: The Sun and the Stars
Two children travel to one of the darkest places in Britain to find out about the stars, planets, and constellations in our galaxy.

Little Stargazing 3: Rockets and Astronauts
We've heard of the man on the Moon, but how did he get there? Two children meet five-time shuttle astronaut Jeff Hoffman.

Little Stargazing 4: Hunting the Northern Lights
Where can it be found, what does it look like, and what causes it? The children embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Finnish Lapland.

KS1 Teacher's Pack
Teachers notes and worksheets to accompany the Little Stargazing films (PDF 1.5MB). Adobe Acrobat required.

Animated Questions Answered

We took questions about space and worked with groups of young people to produce these clever animations.
Groups from various schools worked with the BBC Lab in Salford.

Can stars be different shapes and sizes?