Starry-eyed

For centuries people have looked to the stars to find answers to life. Look to these activities to see what is in the stars.

CONNECT:

• What makes a star? Find out at http://www.cosmos4kids.com/files/stars_intro.html
• How do stars grow? They may be more like children than you might expect. Explore the process at http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/massive-stars-grow-finger-food/
• How many stars are there – more than the grains of sand on earth? Get the answer at http://www.universetoday.com/106725/are-there-more-grains-of-sand-than-stars/
• Imagine atoms the size that mountains; that’s what are neuron stars. Find out more at https://www.outerplaces.com/science/item/5737-neutron-stars-are-atoms-the-size-of-mountains
• Watch five of the most unusual stars discovered in our universe http://www.pbs.org/video/2365759270/

CREATE:

• Learn how to see the stars, and make your own planisphere at http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/skywatch/index.html
• Identify your own special constellation – and find it out in the sky. You may be lucky to be born under a new star sign: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zp4fvcw
• Did you know that constellation are imaginary? http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/ gives lots of information about these imaginary images. Try grouping stars in an original way; you too can create a constellation.
• Make a trivia game based on star facts: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/space/stars.html
• Make some space available to try these space activities: http://mrnussbaum.com/space/activities/

CARE:

• Create a special star for your special frineds: http://www.redtedart.com/star-crafts-ideas-join-getyourcrafton-challenge/
• Starfish are named for their shape. Read the story of the starfish, and participate in the Starfish Project for children: http://www.thestarfishprojectforchildren.org/
• Watch this video to make Jello stars for your family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpVqx_mn1g
• The Star of David means unity and good deeds. Find out other meaning of this important symbol at http://www.buzzle.com/articles/meaning-of-the-star-of-david.html

CAREERS:

Do you see stars when your think about your future? Astronomy can lead to many possibilities. The sky is the limit.

https://aas.org/learn/careers-astronomy

https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/

http://www.jobsforastronomers.com/careers

Building Bridges to Knowledge

The word “bridge” comes from the Germanic term for beam. Bridges can be found on the road, but also in politics and other negotiations as well as in your mouth and as a card game. Let’s stick to the road this time, though, by focusing on bridges used in transportation. These activities will bridge your knowledge.

CONNECT:

• Get down to basics about bridges at http://pghbridges.com/basics.htm
• How long can a bridge be? Why would a bridge make someone seasick? Find out when you check out these bridges: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html
• What makes bridges so strong? Watch for the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVOnRPefcno
• Compare bridge structures at http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/engineering/bridgebuilding.html
• This video shows you that bridges can be beautiful: https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g. Which is your favorite?
• Trace the history of bridges at http://theconstructor.org/structures/history-of-bridges/5491/

CREATE:

• Create a trivia game about bridges by using these fun facts about bridges: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/engineering/bridges.html https://youtu.be/SsUglw23i0g and https://kidskonnect.com/science/bridges/
• Learn how bridges work by making your own suspension bridge: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_suspension_ei.html
• Test bridge designs following the directions at http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/26605/build-a-bridge
• Can you build a bridge that withstands an earthquake? http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/bridgetoclassroom/engineeringfor.html
• Build a virtual bridge at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p1.html

CARE:

• What about animals that need to cross the road? There are life-saving wildlife crossings. See some at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6lWv8enIAw
• Covered bridges are a national treasure. Help preserve these historical landmarks at http://www.coveredbridgesociety.org
• Especially in the winter season, you need to be cautious about bridges. See why – and what you can do at http://icyroadsafety.com/icybridges.shtml
• Bridges can be dangerous! Watch and read about how air can destroy a bridge – especially Galloping Gertie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XggxeuFDaDU
• and https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine3.htm

CAREERS:

Bridge-related jobs will always be needed. Check out these options:

http://bridges.gbaps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=571916&pageId=6419602

https://www.nsta.org/middleschool/connections/201412TNTStudentPacket.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/architecture-career-options