Lower Astronomy Projects are hands-on building and material skill projects that encourage creativity, imagination and play.

Kits are designed for humans ages 5 and up. They are great for kids of all ages; younger children might need more assistance.

Projects kits are designed to build skills and confidence, doing something a little bit hard, learning, and having fun. Each project employs gross and fine motor skills to grow and hone manual dexterity. Projects allow space for kids and adults to practice flexible attention in a hands-on way, working through an idea/project in a tangible form.

Each project kit has step-by-step instructional videos for assembly and to connect the project to the larger world through short lessons on trees, material, and histories. All projects encourage imagination, hand-on play, and emphasize curiosity about the natural and built worlds. Instructional videos are under available on the Tutorials page and on the Lower Astronomy YouTube channel.  

Project Kits take approximately one to two hours to complete.

Kits are made with kiln-dried domestic wood and some substrates, with an effort to minimize substrates like MDF when possible. Most components are made in-house at our Madison, WI studio. Project kits include items like nails, hardwood dowels, marbles, rubber bands, and sandpaper, please be careful around small children. Most components are made in-house at our Madison, WI studio. Other wood parts and marbles are sourced from small independent craft manufactures and are made in the USA. Still other supplies used in our kits are mass produced. #craftinlatecapitalism

Please wear safety glasses!