How to Teach Children about Astronomy

I took astronomy in college, so I’m kind of partial to the subject. I think many children find it to be a fascinating science, but most schools do not teach it in the higher high school levels and in the elementary levels, it’s usually sandwiched between a lot of other topics. Here is a guide for parents, if they would like to help their child learn more about this subject at home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books
• materials to do projects if you choose to do one
• telescope (optional)
• computer

1. First, you need to study up on some of the newer information for yourself. Things change all the time in science and I bet a lot has changed since you were in school, such as now there are 8 planets, instead of 9. Pluto was demoted from planet status and is now considered a “dwarf planet”.

2. Buy a telescope if funds allow. The best way for the whole family to learn about the stars is to get out and study them together. Telescopes are not cheap and you want to get a decent one if your going to spend the money for it. If the telescope has an unstable base or is not of good quality, it will frustrate your child, more than it will teach them. So make sure you read up on them, so you can pick a good one for your family. You also need to pick a good spot to use it. If you can get away from the city and suburbs, you will be able to see more through it. Unfortunately, light pollution really gets in the way.

3. Get good books about space for your children to study. My absolute favorite astronomy book is Exploring Creation with Astronomy. It is a textbook for elementary school age children and it is one of the most thorough textbooks for this age group that I have seen. It is blatantly Christian, so if that’s not your thing, you may not like it. I also really like the Magic School Bus books, books by Gail Gibbons, and Seymour Simon books, but they do not cover near as much as the Exploring Creation with Astronomy.

4. Make astronomy projects and experiments with your kids. There are many projects and experiments that you can do to help your child understand astronomy. One favorite is to make a model of the planets with Styrofoam balls. My personal favorite is to make a lapbook or an interactive notebook. You can find more details about these in the resources down below.

5. Visit science based museums that features space exhibits. There are many of these, especially throughout the United States. Many times these museums are hands on and they provide children with a lot of information about space.

6. Use the computer to study space. The computer can show you visuals unlike anything else. This is also a good place to find star charts and the future of the space program.

7. Make sure you check out the resources below for more details. Also, check around the sides of the page for related articles.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get a telescope, NEVER allow your child to look toward the sun with it. This can lead to blindness!!

Resources

• Astronomy with Children Page
• Make an Interactive Notebook
• How to Make a Lapbook
• Solar System Model
• Exploring Creation with Astronomy
• The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
• Our Solar System by Seymour Simon

[derbyka]

on 6/23/2009 Astronomy is one of the most interesting...and most neglected...subjects.

[cherold598]

on 3/26/2009 Excellent info and resources about how to teach children astronomy.