NASA has an excellent interactive timeline tracing the history of astronomy and space exploration from the Greek philosophers through today. Planet Quest is actually three timelines combined into one. The three timelines cover technology, discovery, and culture as it relates to astronomy and space exploration. Each element on the timeline is narrated. Users can select individual elements on the timeline or choose autoplay to hear the narration of each item in sequence.

Applications for Education
Planet Quest provides a good overview of the history of astronomy and space exploration. The culture element could provide an interesting way to engage students who aren’t excited about science, but are interested in what people thought at various times in history.

Here are some related items that may be of interest to you:
Interactive Tour of the Hubble Telescope
Star Child – Learning for Young Astronomers
NASA Quests and Challenges