The Hands-On Universe project is designed to allow students to explore the Universe using scientific data, a computer and the power of their imagination. Using specially designed software called SalsaJ (download here), students can investigate volcanos and craters on Mars, discover planets outside our solar system, or weigh a galaxy! These activities can be found here.

Other exercises show how to use a simple webcam as an astronomical observatory at your own school, how to conduct a variety of simple experiments with everyday materials such as building an electric motor or a spectroscope, or how to use a computer to find where you are on the earth.