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Look To The Stars
© Copyright DiscoverThisTwinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are ... it's no wonder that song has been a childhood favorite for centuries. After all, who isn't fascinated by the moon, stars, planets and beyond? That's what makes astronomy such a great introduction to science, nature and even a bit of history for curious cosmologists of all ages. Here are some tips to get you started:
Hello Moon: The moon is the first celestial object most children discover. With young children, you can start by simply pointing it out when you see it. Show them it's often visible during the day and that it appears to change shape throughout the month. Teach older kids what causes the phases of the moon, and if you have access to a telescope, give them a close up view of the moon's craters and even a glimpse of the dark side!
Study the Solar System: Another topic that fascinates kids is our solar system. For a hands-on activity that illustrates the scope and workings of our sun and it's satellites, let your kids build their own scale model of the solar system. As a follow up, encourage them to explore solar energy with science kits like a Solar Science Lab or Amphibious Solar Vehicle.
Learn the Ancient Stories: Read the stories ancient people told about the constellations, from the Greeks and Romans to the Native Americans who lived in your region. Encourage your children to write and illustrate their own stories about the pictures they see in the constellations.
Emphasize the Science: Speaking of Greeks and Romans, talk with your children about the differences between Aristotle and Galileo, Ptolemy and Copernicus. By using the scientific method, Galileo and Copernicus showed that the sun – not the earth – is at the center of the solar system. Go beyond stargazing by introducing your kids to the science of gravity, momentum, and Newton's three laws of motion with a Young Scientists Set 11 (Stars, Planets, Forces).
Find Out What's Up There: The best way to teach your kids about the night sky is to learn about it yourself. Better yet, why not learn together? The book Out-of-This-World Astronomy provides a great introduction with spectacular images, detailed explanations, and engaging projects. You can also purchase star mapping software to find out exactly what you'll see on any given date from your precise location.
Attend a Star Party: Many regional astronomy clubs host public viewing parties where members share their telescopes and passions for stargazing. These clubs are a great resource for the serious observer as well as the curious novice. They can provide information about purchasing or making your own telescope, the best local viewing spots, and other areas of interest. You'll find clubs in every country on the planet.
Visit a Planetarium or Observatory: Check these listings for planetariums and observatories in your area.
Create Your Own Planetarium: What could be better than having a planetarium in your very own home? From the Star Theater 2 to the Smithsonian Home Planetarium and Astro Lab to the GeoSafari Motorized Solar System Kit with Stardome, there's something for every family's viewing and learning pleasure.
Make It Fun: Everybody learns more when the learning is fun. Making up silly sentences with the beginning letters of the planets is a great way to remember their order from the sun, and Space Objects and Scenes Flash Cards are a perfect travel game for the whole family. Younger kids will love learning about space with a Talking Telescope, and family game night will never be more cosmic than when you engage in a rousing game of Planet Quest!
At Discover This, we encourage our kids to reach for the stars – and to have a great time doing it! We're happy to share our favorite astronomy and solar energy toys and kits with you and the young astronomers in your life!- Star Theater 2 Home Planetarium
- GeoSafari Motorized Solar System Kit
- Smithsonian Home Planetarium and Astro Lab
- SmartLab Stars and Planets
- Our Amazing Solar System Kit
- Out-of-This-World Astronomy
- Young Scientists Set 11 - Stars, Planets, Forces
- GeoSafari Talking Telescope
- Planet Quest Game
- Space Objects and Scenes Flash Cards
- Glow-in-the-dark 3-D Solar System Kit
- Solar Science Lab
- Solar Energy Kit
- Solar Car Book by Klutz
- Solaro Solar Powered Models - vehicles, robots and more
- OWI Amphibious Solar Vehicle
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