Lighten up for Auroras

 

You may know of Princess Aurora (also known as Sleeping Beauty), but do you know about the original auroras: bright dancing lights in the sky? Brighten up your life with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Let NASA enlighten you about auroras at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/aurora/en/
•  Watch the science behind the northern lights at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we-MfBKx4Bc
• Read 20 Aurora Borealis facts you will love to know at https://hello-aurora.com/blog/20-aurora-facts

 

CREATE:

• Make a magical northern light sky with pastels at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo8wee7blQ4
• Or paint the aurora with ice cubes at https://www.uaf.edu/museum/education/educators/heliophysics-aurora-outre/activities/pdfs/Paint-The-Aurora-With-Ice-Cubes-Activity.pdf
• Check the Aurora Tracker to find out if you can see the Aurora right now at https://www.explorefairbanks.com/explore-the-area/aurora-season/aurora-tracker/ and check out the Aurora live webcam on this website.
• Create an aurora borealis with milk, oil and food coloring at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YglrrA2XQ5Y

 

CARE:

• Auroras are typically seen in areas that are very cold. Stay warm with these tips: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Winter-Safety.aspx
• There is often ice in areas where auroras are seen. Stay ice-safe with these tips: https://www.blacklinesafety.com/blog/6-tips-for-dealing-with-black-ice
• Auroras are best seen in wilderness areas. Be prepared for the wilderness with these tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBQfaxDiGlw

 

CAREERS:

Want your career to light you up? You would be a scientist, an engineer, a meteorologist (weather expert), a photographer, a tour guide, and more. Light up with these sample career tips.

• https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/a-physicist-explains-the-shimmering-science-behind-auroras/
• https://globaledge.msu.edu/blog/post/57349/the-northern-lights-tourism-industry
• Meteorologists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npwXgH5t3o0&t=3s

 

Planets Aren’t Plain

 

Our knowledge about planets is largely based on the eight (or nine) planets in our solar system. But the universe has many more planets. Explore or neighborhood planets and or distant planet relatives in these online activities. It’s out of this world!

CONNECT:

• Just what exactly constitutes a planet? National Geographic has the answer at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/space/article/what-is-a-planet
• Discover our solar system’s planets as NASA explains them at its SpacePlace: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/planets/en/
• When is a planet not a planet? When it is beyond our solar system. Then it is called an exoplanet. Get the details at https://sciencetrek.org/topics/exoplanets

 

CREATE:

• Little ones can make a solar system with play-doh; see how at https://onlypassionatecuriosity.com/fun-easy-solar-system-activity/
• Create your own planet by following the guidelines at https://www.starnetlibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Build-A-Planet.pdf
• Expand your solar system knowledge with these hands-on activities at https://www.uaf.edu/museum/education/educators/heliophysics-aurora-outre/activities/solar-system/index.php

 

CARE:

• Become a planet protector; find out how at https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids
• Watch 10 ways to take care of Earth’s environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2YgM1Zw4_E
• Earth Day is celebrated on April 2, but you can honor our planet every day. Here are some ways that parents can help raise environmentally-responsible kids: https://www.pbs.org/parents/protecting-our-planet

 

 

CAREERS:

Does thinking about planets put stars in your eyes? You could have a career as an astronomer, an astronaut, a geologist, a teacher or a writer. Here are some possibilities:

• https://sd2.org/exploring-planetary-science-careers-a-guide-for-students/
• https://www.europlanet.org/space-careers/
• Watch a planetary scientist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUc_9d_HwIk

 

Meteors Rock!

 Think of meteors as space rocks. August is usually the best time to see meteors in the sky. Look into these activities and then look up for meteors.

 

CONNECT:

• What are meteors? Watch the answer and more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBFfBz0n_SE
• Discover the history of meteors and meteorites at https://bedtimehistorystories.com/history-of-meteors-and-meteorites-for-kids/
• Visit Arizona’s meteor creator virtually at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy3KXDQiTaY
• For teens and adults: watch the tragic history of a meteorite and the Inuits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvdtWfHpCR4

 

CREATE:

• Learn how to catch a meteorite at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCK0lRpX04 and here’s a real story of a family who found a meteorite on their driveway!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EHGZywspR8
• Make creators with mini-meteors following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0a-rN5ARLw
• Have a shooting star party! See the details at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/meteor-shower/en/

 

CARE:

• Find out what stops meteors hitting Earth and hurting people at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-what-stops-meteors-hitting-earth-and-hurting-people-228783
• Find meteorites in your house gutters; watch how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej0X60b5dSI
• Learn how to catch a meteorite at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCK0lRpX04 and here’s a real story of a family who found a meteorite on their driveway!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EHGZywspR8

 

CAREERS:

Want a spacy career? Meteors and their “relatives” may lead to a job where the sky is the limit – like these examples:

• What is a planetary scientist? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoTSNHD6S_U 
• and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngVmV3eokpA
• What is a meteorite hunter? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5sIkYHjVeI

Light Up the Stars!

• What’s a lot older than the movie stars? The star  every day: the Sun! Depending on where you live, you may few or many stars, some of them billions of years old.  Gaze at the following activities as you gaze at the sky of stars.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the life cycle of different kinds of stars at https://youtu.be/PeNuj2GH8xg
• Connect the star “dots” into constellations by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD3cnBr6KwA
• The sun is earth’s most important star; see why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkW54j82e9U
• Have you heard of the Northern Lights? They are started by the sun. See how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MI3YDGgtN4

 

CREATE:

• Start stargazing with this kid’s guide: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/astronomy/a-kids-guide-to-stargazing
• Maker a star finder by following the directions at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/starfinder/en/
• Set your eyes on the hands-on star activities at https://www.uaf.edu/museum/education/educators/heliophysics-aurora-outre/activities/stars/index.php
• Have fun with the sun-ny activities at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/sun/

 

CARE:

• Discover how the sun star affects the earth at https://youtu.be/i_jiQzoQF5M
• Enjoy This picture book, which tells how to safe from the sun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ghJsZug60&t=67s
• It can be hard to see many stars. Why? Because of Light pollution! See its basis at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gYIeT6GrkA. And see the difference at https://youtu.be/HHLnnXgDUgc
• Are we made of stardust? Explore the possibilities at https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/are-we-really-made-of-stardust.html

 

CAREERS:

Do you get stars in your eyes thinking about stars? Your future career may lie in the stars: as an astronomer or other kind of scientist, teacher, photographer, or planetarium director. See the possibilities that follow:

1. How do you become an astronomer? Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1ZW3nVfe5A
2. https://www.iau.org/public/themes/careers/
3. https://aas.org/careers/career-in-astronomy
4. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/astronomy-jobs

 

Meteors Rock!

 August is known as the best month to see shooting stars: meteors. But what are meteors? Basically space rocks. So what makes them special? Find out with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• What is a meteor shower? Watch and learn  at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkglsg0K1IY
• Is there a difference between a meteor and a shooting star? Find the truth at https://littleastronomy.com/difference-between-meteor-and-shooting-star/
• What are meteorites and where do they come from? Read the facts at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-what-are-meteorites-made-of-and-where-do-they-come-from-114408
• What’s the difference between an asteroid and a meteor? Get the answer at NASA: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/asteroid-or-meteor/en/

 

CREATE:

• Get your hands on these meteoric experiments: https://meteorites.asu.edu/outreach/hands-on-activities
• Learn about asteroids through art at https://www.unawe.org/activity/asteroids_art/
• Get your game on with meteors at https://www.wartgames.com/themes/science/comets.html
• Discover how to watch a meteor shower at https://www.axios.com/2022/08/11/perseid-meteor-shower-peak-2022

 

CARE:

• Are you safe from meteors? Find out the odds at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71cg1nRcXHU
• Check out this meteor guide about the science and safety of earth-bound rocks: https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23181-meteor-guide-science-and-safety-of-earth-bound-rocks/
• What are earthlings doing to product themselves from asteroids? Watch the defense efforts at https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/About_asteroids_and_Planetary_Defence

 

CAREERS:

 

Do meteors put stars in your eyes? The sky is NOT the limit for meteor-related jobs, as you will see here.

• https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/meteorite-falls/why-research-meteorites/
• https://caslabs.case.edu/ansmet/faqs/
• https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/astronomer-job-information-and-requirements-for-students-considering-a-career-in-astronomy.html

 

Let the Sunshine In

 The sun is necessary for life, but how much do you know about it? Shine some light on the sun by doing these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this video introduction about the sun at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkW54j82e9U
• Read about fiery sun myths at https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2046823,00.html
• Explore lots of aspects of the sun gathered by NASA at https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/sun/
• Get energized about solar energy at https://blog.namastesolar.com/solar-energy-for-kids

 

CREATE:

• Try some of these sunny kid activities at https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/crafts/seasonal/sun-activities.htm
• Get crafty about the sun at https://www.acraftylife.com/sun-kids-crafts-bright-craft-projects/
• Think like a scientist with these sunny experiments: https://igamemom.com/science-experiments-to-learn-about-sun/
• Print with the sun following the directions at https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/make-sun-prints

 CARE:

• Let the minions show about to be sun safe at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxAsoBXmCJk
• Watch how to become a sun safe superstar like George at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7ghJsZug60
• What is a solar eclipse, and how can you watch it safely? Find out at https://www.parentcircle.com/when-where-how-to-see-solar-eclipse-for-kids/article
• What are solar flares and why are they dangerous? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mrf9IIz0Co

 

CAREERS:

Shine a light on sun-related jobs: from solar panel manufacturing to astronomer.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-in-solar
• https://earth911.com/eco-tech/careers-in-solar-energy/
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-astronomy-majors

 

 

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/

Mooning for the Moon

Our closest heavenly body is the moon. We see it every night and have landed on it. What will be your future – on the moon? Explore the moon with the following online sites.

CONNECT:

• See NASA’s tour of the moon at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iSZMv64wuU
• Watch how the phases of the moon occur at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz01pTvuMa0
• Learn about the first moon walk at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/moon-landing/ 

CREATE:

• Read these children’s poems about the moon: https://nzpoetrybox.wordpress.com/2015/06/19/some-of-my-favourite-moon-poems/. Then try writing your own moon poem.
• Celebrate the moon through these kid-friendly moon crafts and activities: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/24-moon-crafts-activities-for-kids_36/
• Plan a moon party with yummy snacks: https://faithfulplateful.com/moon-day-snacks-and-party-ideas/

CARE:

• Imagine living on the moon. How safe will it be? A spacecraft named “Surveyor” proved that the moon was safe for humans. Read about the process at https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/surveyor-proved-the-moon-safe-for-man/
• The moon is a great place to learn about protecting Earth. Explore the benefits at https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2019/sun-science-has-a-bright-future-on-the-moon
• The moon’s gravitational pull causes ocean rip currents. Find out how to escape rip currents at https://scijinks.gov/rip-currents/

CAREERS:

Look to the sky for a future career.

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/careers/moon-to-mars-profiles/index.html

https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190720/moon-landing-inspired-many-to-pursue-space-science-careers

https://apasseducation.com/education-blog/stem-jobs-on-the-moon/

Shine Some Light on the Sun

Do you like to bask in the sun? The sun is more than fun – it is necessary fo you to live! So shine some light on our nearest star by exploring these activities.

CONNECT:

• Read this introduction to our nearest star at http://www.michielb.nl/sun/
• How have people regarded the sun throughout history? Find out at https://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/solarsystem/sun_history.html
• See the live coverage of the recent full solar eclipse at https://www.exploratorium.edu/video/live-coverage-eclipse
• The sun isn’t really all yellow; it has dark spots, some as large as 50,000 miles in diameter. Find out about sunspots at http://www.exploratorium.edu/sunspots/index.html
• Watch how sunflowers follow the sun at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8mr0R3ibPU

CREATE:

• Here are six sundial projects for you to make: http://www.sundials.co.uk/projects.htm
• Let the sun help you create art by making sun prints: http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/sun-prints/
• Try some of these 16 brilliant sun crafts for kids: http://aboutfamilycrafts.com/16-sun-crafts-for-kids/
• Read solar folklore at http://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/

CARE:

• Become Sunwise with these Environmental Protection Agency handouts: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-fact-sheets-and-handouts
• Brush up on suncreeen and sun protection for kids at http://www.webmd.com/children/features/summer-sun-protection-for-kids#1
• Watch how minions keep sun safe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UWvqNeqX6E
• Want to make your own sunscreen? Read this first: https://www.consumerreports.org/sunscreens/homemade-sunscreen-is-a-definite-dont/

CAREERS:

A sun-related career can be in your stars. See how:

http://www.astronomynotes.com/careers.htm

http://www.jobsforastronomers.com/careers

If you work outdoors, you need protection from the heat and scorching sun: https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/keeping-employees-who-work-outdoors-safe-in-the-sun/