Starry-eyed about Constellations

 

Ever connect the dots? On a clear night you can see groups of stars in the sky.  People have connected the star “dots” to form constellations that represent images. Often these constellations are used to tell stories and share myths. Try these activities and see starry constellations in your eyes.

 

CONNECT:

• Learn about the types of constellations, their names, and how to find them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZ15SUeS9w
• Want to know more about the myths and science of constellations? Watch this 2-part crash course: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/what-is-a-constellation-crash-course-kids
• Watch how different cultures view constellations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HejyXGQN-wk

 

CREATE:

• Explore NASA’s activities about constellations at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/constellations/
• Try some kid-friendly, hands-on constellation activities at https://www.howweelearn.com/constellation-activities-for-kids/
• Create a constellation telescope by following the directions at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/53541/constellation-activity-craft/
• AND connect the stars anyway to want to make your own constellations!

 

CARE:

• Get the facts about night vision and eye health at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/night-vision
• Connect the family closer by star – and constellation – gazing at https://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/for-families/
• Be inspired by https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/space_days/activities/constellations/ to create a community space day for families.

 

CAREERS:

Do you get starry-eyed thinking about constellations? Do you see the stars in your future? If so, gaze at this constellation of astronomy careers.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/astronomy-jobs
• https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy
• https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/

Milk it!

 

Mother’s milk. The milk of human kindness. Got milk? Milk is universal, and we never outgrow our need for it. Milk these activities for their goodness: food for thought!

 

CONNECT:

• See how milk travels from the farm to your fridge at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XSoTEcD_vQ
• All mammals produce milk; watch some extreme animal milk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbBgcs9NYLE
• Explore the history of cheese (and its relationship to milk) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzzEK4wZ6uI

 

CREATE:

• World Milk Day is September 30, but you can celebrate milk every day by doing these fun STEM activities: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/ten-top-stem-activities-to-celebrate-world-school-milk-day/
• Here is one time you can play with your food: https://milklife.com/articles/10-easy-diy-experiments-for-kids
• Make oat milk (for older kids and adults to drink) by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zXQufqSZC0

 

CARE:

• Should kids drink plant-based milk? Get the facts at https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/are-milk-alternatives-actually-unhealthy-for-kids/
• Here are tips for keeping milk fresh: https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/canadian-goodness/cooking-with-dairy/freeze-store-milk#:~:text=Store%20milk%20on%20refrigerator%20shelves,pitcher%20to%20the%20original%20container.
• Read what happens when you drink spoiled milk—and what to do if you DO drink it: https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/spoiled-milk/#:~:text=A%20small%20sip%20of%20spoiled,resolve%20within%2012%2D24%20hours.

 

CAREERS:

Cow-abunga! You can milk your job. Here are some moo-ving ways to do that.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zi5znuMpE8
• https://www.ans.iastate.edu/undergraduate/careers/dairy-careers
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/dairy-industry-careers

Roger That, Rocket!

 

The US anthem includes the phrase “the rockets’ red glare.” We continue to be awed by rockets. Have a blast exploring the world of rockets with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out these rocket facts at https://www.factsjustforkids.com/technology-facts/rocket-facts-for-kids/
• Watch how rockets work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBwWLunlOM
• Rockets are not new; they have been around for more than 2000 years! Discover their history at https://www.space.com/29295-rocket-history.html

 

CREATE:

• Even little ones can do cool rocket activites at https://toddlerapproved.com/2015/05/10-cool-rocket-activities-for-kids.html
• Explore rockets at NASA space place: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/Rockets/
• Create your own rocket and other high fliers at https://www.parentmap.com/article/launching-imaginations-diy-action-toy-contraptions

 

CARE:

• Safety goes to a new level in space; find out how to stay healthy in space at https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/space_days/activities/healthInSpace/aboutHealthInSpace.pdf
• rockets are fun to watch but they can be dangerous if you get too clase, so follow this model rocket safety code at https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/
• Watch this video about rocket safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ1V1si2mC0

 

CAREERS:

Blast into space with these rocket-based jobs. The sky's the limit!

• https://www.myrocketcareer.com/
• https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/rocketry/careercorner/index.html