Stargazer's Party
A fun activity that can be shared by children of all ages is a star-gazer's party. This is one time where the rural families will have an advantage over city ones in that it is easier to see the stars without neon lights and street lamps! Invite lots of parents and volunteers to help, because young children especially are likely to be very excited at the chance to be outside after dark and you will need lots of help.
After sharing a story or two from the bibliography, move outside onto the lawn to do your stargazing. Have the children bring blankets or sleeping bags. Place the bags in circles with the heads of the bags together in the center of the circle. One adult and about six children should comprise each group. If possible, have the adults consult an astronomy book before starting the discussion, so that they will have their "bearings".
While lying on your backs with heads close together, the adult can point out the moon, constellations, etc. and lead discussions with such questions as:
- Can you see the moon?
- Can you tell which phase the moon is showing?
- How many stars can you see?
- Can you find the brightest star?
- Can you see the Big Dipper? (the Little Dipper?)
- Can you find the North star?
- What pictures can you see in the stars?
- How far away do you think the stars are?
Conversation will probably grow naturally from any of these questions and all the children should have a chance to voice an opinion. If conversation lags don't panic; many children have never actually looked at the night sky and may simply be overwhelmed by the view! |