Fresh Air Events

We could have just read the play or the picture book. We have both.
Instead, we chose to experience it - as a family, outside, in the park, one Sunday evening,

...and it was wonderful!

Another Sunday evening found us at a different park, looking at the skies. The local astronomy club was holding a public event complete with hi-tech binoculars and telescopes. That evening we saw the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and a deep space object (a globular cluster).

Fresh air breathes life into you, your child, and your homeschool. Go ahead, go outside!

Both events ignited an interest in reading Shakespeare and looking at the night sky for our youngest child. The other children were impressed and intrigued, but already have varying interests for both. For all of us, it was worth the time and effort to find the events and attend. 


Related Links:
Shakespeare Resources & Lesson Ideas
Shakespeare Party Ideas {Pinterest board}
Summertime Science - Star Gazing
Journey to Outer Space {Pinterest board}

Summertime Science - Star Gazing

Last school year, my youngest son's science co-op class, which I teach, studied outer space. We used Apologia's Exploring Creation with Astronomy, by Jeannie Fulbright as a spine text. It was fabulous. Not only were the children interested, so was I. We ALL wanted to learn more about the stars.

This summer, I picked up a few more resources for our family, including The Book of Astronomy, published by Memoria Press and The Star Gazer's Guide to the Night Sky, by Jason Lisle. Using these two books, I have been trying to memorize some constellations.

My husband's cell phone has an app in which he just points it to the sky and viola - the star is identified and constellation revealed. We used it while on vacation last month. While this is very fun to play and learn with, I am trying to memorize, old school style, a few constellations and stars. Though I must confess to being enthralled with Stellarium, an interactive program for your pc. {free download}

Since there is no pressure, I am enjoying a leisurely pace of study (AKA it may take me awhile!)


Related free printable:
Solar Systems Trading Cards from Amazing Space


Other Summertime Science posts:
Egg Drop
Toothpick Structures
Flubber
Nature Observations
Experiments on Insects

Journey to Outer Space - Resources

 

Our next unit of study for the Kindergarten through third grade science co-op class is on outer space. We have had several classes already, and we are thoroughly enjoying the activities and fascinating facts we are learning. There are many neat resources for teaching outer space which I wanted to share with you. For our class, we are using the following books.

 

Spine Book:

Exploring Creation with Astronomy, by Jeannie Fulbright 

 

Supplements:

God's Design for Heaven and Earth: Our Universe, by Debbie and Richard Lawrence

The Young Astronomer, by Harry Ford

The Usborne Internet-Linked Book of Astronomy and Space, by Lisa Miles and Alastair Smith

Exploring Space, Science Works for Kids Series, Grades 1-3, Evan-Moor

 

Extra Resources:

Night Wonders, by Jane Ann Peddicord (amazing pictures of outer space)

The Planets in Our Solar System, by Frankly M. Branley

8 Spinning Planets, by Brian James (preschool to first grade level)

Galaxies, Galaxies! by Gail Gibbons (fantastic introduction for kindergarten through third grade)

Sun, Moon and Stars, Usborne Beginners, by Stephanie Turnbull (preschool to second grade)