In about six years, NASA will launch into space a telescope so powerful that scientists hope to see back in time to the first light of the universe. Just how is that possible? To understand, youll need to learn about how telescopes work. And instead of cracking open a book or searching online, how about getting a lesson from scientists at Goddard Space Flight Center who work on the telescope?

Thats just what about a dozen families did recently at Goddards Family Night, a program for middle-schoolers and their families once a month during the school year and occasionally during the summer.

(Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) - Science fans, from left, Ryan Dillman, 13, Liam Clem, 13, and Rashaun Williams, 11, test the telescopes they just made at Goddard Space Flight Center.

Mary Stevenson and daughter Rebecca, 11, of Montgomery Village have been coming to the sessions at the Greenbelt facility for about a year.

Rebecca, who is home-schooled, said she was happy to see several other girls at the program.

Most of my friends arent interested in astronomy, she said, while examining two lenses. Rebecca said she likes science and is hoping for a career in ornithology (studying birds).

The next-generation telescope

At Family Night, future scientists and engineers can talk to professionals about their careers and topics such as the lunar reconnaissance orbiter or the ability of other planets to support life.

Youre meeting people who actually are doing the stuff, said 13-year-old Cameron Moye, a would-be astrophysicist. Cameron traveled an hour to Goddard with parents George and Debra from their home in Graysonville, Maryland. They rarely miss a program.

We want to foster the love and excitement for science, said Catherine Kruchten, who organizes the events.

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Middle-schoolers get hands-on learning at Goddard Space Flight Center