The ERC is located in Room 401, Johnson Hall, on the University of Washington campus. Daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Materials can also be mailed to teachers. The lessons, geared to grades K-6, look to answer questions such as why the Sun doesn't always rise in the same place each day and where does it go at night. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory developed the curriculum working with elementary schools in Massachusetts and it meets National Science Education Standards.
Visitors can pick between beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
The site also includes a wealth of information and hands-on activities related to other planets. Winning projects ranged from building telescopes to exploring the environment. Grants must be matched by nonfederal funds. Public, private, and certified home-school teachers are welcome to apply. A complete list of 2001 mini-grant projects is available on the Space Grant Web site.