School Age Science Activities for an Astronomy Theme
No matter the age group or grade, schoolchildren should learn about astronomy. Some science activities with an astronomy theme are designed to help children correlate an entertaining activity with astronomical facts. These activities help engage children in learning.
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Solar System Model
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Have children make a model of the solar system, using inexpensive materials such as construction paper and string. For older children, this project can be made more challenging by requiring scale, facts and other research-related work. Children will have to learn at least the name of each planet and its location in the solar system.
Space Themed Puzzles
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Children enjoy solving puzzles. To solve puzzles such as crossword puzzles, the child must have some understanding of the subject matter being used. A space-themed crossword puzzle, word search or word jumble will engage children in learning about space and astronomy. Space-themed puzzles can be created by a teacher or found online. Kaboose, a family-oriented website, has some space-themed puzzles that teachers can print for their students.
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Spacequests
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Spacequests is a research-based activity developed by the NASA/MSU-Bozeman/CERES project. Children divide into small groups and engage in a scavenger hunt game. The purpose of the project is to "integrate themes and unifying concepts in science with astronomy objectives from the NRC National Science Education Standards," the project website says. Templates for grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 can be found on the NASA/MSU-Bozeman/CERES project website.
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References
- Photo Credit Solar System image by kolesn from Fotolia.com
