Carnegie Observatories Brings the Universe to Pasadena Unified Students Through Summer Astronomy Program

Courtesy of Carnegie Observatories

Pasadena Unified School District students are exploring the wonders of the universe this summer through hands-on astronomy lessons led by scientists from Carnegie Observatories. The program gives third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students the opportunity to learn directly from professional astronomers, inspiring curiosity about space while demonstrating that science is within their reach.

According to PUSD, fourth- and fifth-grade students are participating in interactive lessons designed to spark interest in astronomy and encourage scientific exploration. The district also thanked the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) for helping make the summer learning experience possible and for supporting enrichment opportunities for students.

The classroom visits are part of Carnegie Observatories’ broader commitment to science education and community outreach in Pasadena. Led by Jeff Rich, the observatory’s director of education and outreach, the initiative aims to ensure that every student graduating from a Pasadena school has the opportunity to meet a real astronomer.

In addition to its summer classroom program, Carnegie Observatories reaches thousands of local students and families through an inflatable planetarium, school visits, and collaborative City of Astronomy events with Pasadena’s scientific institutions, including Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. By bringing scientists directly into local schools, the organization hopes to show students that world-class astronomy is happening in their own community and that careers in science are open to everyone.

For more information about Carnegie Observatories’ community outreach efforts, visit the story, “Bringing the Universe to Pasadena: Carnegie’s Commitment to Outreach.”

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-3600 or visit www.pusd.us.