The sky has always been a source of fascination for people young and old. Whether you want to further your child’s interest in the vast realm of space or simply introduce them to the field of astronomy, here are five educational activities worth trying.
Blending art and science, this activity lets your child see the phases of the moon unfold right before their eyes. Prepare 28 equal-size rectangular pieces of paper and ask your child to draw the moon every night for 28 nights (one drawing per page). If they need a hand, you can help them trace an identical circle on each page using a compass or bottle cap. For best results, make sure each circle is in exactly the same spot on each page. You can also look up tutorials online using the keywords “flipbook” and “moon.”
An easy way to tell the difference between first and last quarter moons in the northern hemisphere is to look at which half of the moon is visible: if the visible half is on the left hand side, you are looking at a last quarter moon, soon to become a new moon.
Using little more than some empty toilet paper rolls and a flashlight (or the light from your cell phone), you and your child can make your very own constellation projectors. This activity will encourage your child to learn all about constellations, imaginary figures formed by connecting the brightest stars in the night sky. Here are the materials required for this activity:
After choosing the constellations you want to project, start making your first projector by tracing the circular opening of one of the empty toilet paper rolls on a piece of paper. Cut out the circle while leaving a 2 cm margin (to make it easier to glue to the empty roll). Draw one of the constellations you chose on the cutout. Pierce a small hole at the location of each star using the pin, needle, or pen tip. Attach the cutout to one end of the empty roll using the rubber bands, tape, or glue. Then, insert the flashlight at the other end (or shine your cellphone through). Turn off the lights and ta-da! Your child’s room is now their personal planetarium!
Fashioning a sundial from a paper plate and a pencil is the perfect activity for a sunny day. This experiment teaches your child that because of the Earth’s rotation, the sun appears to move across the sky, giving us a way to tell time.
For this activity, you need the following materials:
Start by finding a spot to set up outside, and bring all your materials there a little before noon. Stick the pencil (or straw, etc.) through the center of the paper plate or cardboard circle so that when standing perfectly vertical, it casts a shadow pointing north. If you like, you can check which way is north using a compass or a compass app on your phone. Leave the sundial where it is (if needed, hold it in place with rocks) and come back in an hour. At 1 o’clock, have your child write the number 1 at the spot on the edge of the plate that the pencil’s shadow is pointing to.
What does this activity demonstrate? The length of the shadow depends on the position of the sun: the higher the sun is on the horizon, the shorter the shadow. In the northern hemisphere, the sun reaches its highest point on the summer solstice because the North Pole is tilted towards it. To take this activity one step further; try doing it at different times of the year to see how the shadow changes.
Think you need a clear summer evening to do astronomy activities? Think again! Reading is a wonderful way to relax, get inspired, and escape from your daily routine, especially if you choose books about space. For books that will take you on a trip around the universe, check out our list of book recommendations for 6 to 11 years old and 12 to 17 years old. You can enhance your child’s experience by suggesting fun places and occasions to read about space:
Nothing compares to getting to see real stars in the night sky. Unfortunately, due to light pollution—the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light—opportunities to actually see a sky filled with twinkling stars are becoming increasingly rare. If you happen to live near a spot with low levels of light pollution, making the trip for an evening of stargazing is a must. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate along with some warm blankets and prepare for an unforgettable experience! One of the best times for stargazing is around mid-August, the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.
Curious about where to find places with minimal light pollution in Quebec? Look no further than the International Dark Sky Reserve centered on the Mont-Mégantic National Park and Observatory. Among many other activities, you can admire the beauty of the Milky Way, peer at the night sky through a telescope, and go camping under the stars. You can also enjoy exceptional views of the sky from the park’s ASTROLab activity center, which offers guided tours. All of this makes for a dream excursion for any child with a passion for space, not to mention a great time for the whole family!
Writing : Alloprof Parent's team