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Star Gazing
By Polly | July 14, 2008
Welcome to Week 5 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster Series.
Take some time during the cool summer nights to star gaze with your kids. It is a great way to wind down your day and you can keep the kids busy during the day researching and getting ready for the star gazing event.
How to Get Started
Check your family calendar or planner for a date that works best for everyone. To make the most of your star gazing event, you will need to wait until after the sun sets and the sky is very dark, so be sure to pick a night when the kids and you don’t have to get up early the next day.
Get your kids started on researching the constellations in the sky. You can do this in a variety of ways and here are some ideas and resources to help get them started.
Create an Interactive Sky Chart - This online sky chart will show you where the stars and planets are in relation to your horizons and zenith. It is a free application, but does require a parent registration.
Make a Star Finder - Kids can download this neat star finder project to help learn about the constellations.
Constellation Crosswords - Use these constellation word searches and crossword puzzles to help reinforce what your kids have learned.
Book It - Visit your local library to find some books on star gazing and constellations
Astronomy 101 - Use this online guide to help orient you and more easily find the stars and constellations.
Things You Will Need
Here is a quick list of things you will need to make the most of your star gazing adventure.
The star chart or finder
A big blanket or reclining lawn chairs
A red flashlight or a regular flashlight with red cellophane over the lens. A red flashlight makes for easier night vision.
Snacks
Bug Spray
A dark location free of artificial light
Optional: Binoculars
Good Luck!
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Topics: Boredom Busters, Family Fun, Family Time |
August 6th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
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