Astronomy is perhaps THE all around favorite science for kids of ALL ages. Who isn’t inspired to wonder when following along the milky way just at their zenith.
For me, there was no more magical memory then when dad invited me to gaze at the kaleidoscopic technicolor ball of wonder we call a star through his small telescope.
With my son it was the first theme we chose for his bedroom. Half because his bedroom was once an office to a rocket scientist and half because of his obsession with Buzz Lightyear. So it should seem so obvious that astronomy has made an appearance or two in our summer activities as well as our home school curriculum.
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Astronomy Day One
Circle Time:
Silly Songs:- The More We get together
- 1 little, 2 little, 3 Little Stars..
- Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes
- Twinkle, Twinkle, little Star.
- Clap Your hands as slowly/quickly as you can
Stars & Constellations
The Study
Stars are so fun to watch, with our without a telescope. Before taking an evening of star gazing we can first take the time to look through a few constellations in the A Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky. I find this book to be thorough with illustrations that will captivate the wonder of small eyes, and full of information that it will continue to prove a useful resource as they grow. Constellations are common ideas and terms that give our children a starting vocabulary. As a result, they will be able to confidentially discuss their curiosities through such a truly complex journey of physics. Like a Where’s Waldo, constellations are a great way to encourage young minds to slow down and take their time to study the sky. This silent exploration will build their knowledge, as well as curiosity through careful observations.
The Activity
Supplies:- A Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky
- Golden Star Stickers
- Black Construction Paper
- White Chalk or a White crayon
After looking through A Children’s Introduction to the Night Sky, have the child pick out their favorite constellation. Allow them to try and recreate it using the star stickers on the black construction paper, and then connect the dots with white chalk or crayons.
Other Fun Activities for stars would be to recreate the star map on the ceiling, find a constellation coloring book, or seek out the stars up close with a lightweight telescope.
