Astronomy is a fun topic to research, and kids need a little coaching in the research department when they’re young, say elementary to jr. high age. I like to see the reaction in the faces of this age group because the pictures are so compelling. There’s still a huge “oooh!” and “aahhh!” factor when they are either encouraged to draw what they’ve seen, or look up the visuals in an encyclopedia or online. Getting them to learn isn’t half as important as getting them to want to learn, and this a great avenue.

Many nights our family has stayed up to see some astronomical event like a comet or eclipse, even with school and work the next day. It’s fun to break out of the norm once and a while. The experience is even better when it becomes educational for kids the next day. Taking that extra step to research what you’ve seen together adds both depth and quality time.

Astronomy Topics to Look Up:

• Nebula

• Asteroids

• Milky Way

• Black holes

• Satellite

• Mars

• Venus

Once they’ve looked up the image of something, the younger ones may like to draw with color to convey it. As if your refrigerator didn’t have enough on it already! You may have better luck getting your older kids to make models with clay or paper mache. See if they can tell you why they think astronomical events happen the way they do.

You’re touching a wide variety of subjects when you do this:

• Research

• Art

• Science

• Reading

Astronomy really is one of many educational hobbies that foster deeper thought and amazement in the universe. Get involved with something educational for kids today, tomorrow depends on it.

Photo Credit: Velo Steve on flickr