Hands-On Universe^TM (HOU) is an educational program that enables students to investigate the Universe while applying tools and concepts from science, math, and technology. Using the Internet, HOU participants around the world request observations from an automated telescope, download images from a large image archive, and analyze them with the aid of user-friendly image processing software. The Thai-HOU project is in keeping with the general goal of renewing the teaching of science. A re-awakening of interest for science in the young generation is foreseen through astronomy and the use of new technologies, which should challenge middle and high schools pupils. The primary target group will thus be the school teachers, who will be involved through a pilot school scheme widely advertised.

The project is based on real observations, possibly acquired by the pupils themselves in classrooms thanks to both a European and worldwide network of automatic telescopes operated via Internet or didactical tools (Webcam system, radio telescope) developed within this project. These observations can be manipulated in classrooms with a specific software designed to be pupils friendly. They are integrated into pedagogical resources constructed in a close collaborative work between researchers and teachers. The resources developed in the course of this project are posted on this Web site.

The Thai-HOU project is operated via the Learning Center for Earth Science and Astronomy (LESA) that is funded by Thailand Research Fund (TRF).