Homeschooling From the Heart - Saturn and Mars and Stars, Oh My!

May. 31, 2006

Saturn and Mars and Stars, Oh My!

I mentioned on my blog earlier in the day that I would try to post some of the resources we're using for a summer Astromony study. Imagine my delight when I saw the Star Light, Star Bright article by Michelle on the HSB Company Porch! I'm excited to add some of those activities to my list - thanks Michelle! It seems great minds think alike

Summer is a great time to do an informal astronomy unit or perhaps start a new hobby of star gazing as a family. Through mid June the early evening skies will provide a spectacular view as Saturn, Mars and a star cluster called the "Bee Hive" all converge. Plus, Mercury will also move in close by the middle of the month making for some "astronomical" views right after sunset. Click here to read the complete NASA article.

You don’t have to be an astonomer to help your kids enjoy the night sky – I have found the following sites to be full of information just for parents and kids.

Astronomy for Kids

Astronomy Magazine’s Kid’s Page

Kid’s Astronomy

Astronomy from a Creation Science, Biblical Worldview

Favorite Astronomy Books/Curriculum:

Apologia’s Young Explorer’s Series – Astronomy by Jeannie Fulbright

Astronomy Unit Study Guide, Media Angels

Find the Constellations & Stars, A New Way to See Them – both books by H.A. Rey

Be sure to check out other book recommendations as well as, the constellation-related activities provided by Michelle in the company blog!

The Internet and your library are full of books that have information, stories, experiments, crafts and more! I hope you’re inspired to spend some nights lying out under the stars as a family considering the amazing universe and our awesome Creator!

"The heavens proclaim the Glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1

Happy star gazing!

Cindy

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Comments

May. 31, 2006 - Love it.

Posted by kidsus8

Thanks for the great compilation of astronomy resources.
Great ideas!
Blessings,
Andrea

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May. 31, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eyecorn

Cindy:
Hi! I'm glad we had our units co-ordinated! Hey, I'm doing a starfish dissection next week :) Hope y'all are doing well. Thank you for the positive feedback!
Michelle

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Jun. 1, 2006 - Starfish dissection, huh?

Posted by hsingfromtheheart

How about serving Moonpies for a snack :-) hee!hee!

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Jun. 20, 2006 - Oh my stars!

Posted by mamatc

(I just had to write that!)
What a great idea for summer! We are gearing up to do some star gazing as well on our annual family camping trip-our first as a newly wed couple! We usually find a MN state park (MN has one of the best park systems in the whole country) and bring binoculars and a small telescope. I recently bought a star gazing map at Target for a dollar! This year we'll be way up north near Canada along the North Shore of Lake Superior. It's just way to spectacular up there! It's so clear and bright at night, simply breathtaking. I often tear up and am very humbled by God's greatness when I'm out in His wonderful creation. I'm also hoping we can have devotions and some Bible time to reflect on the Lord.
Thanks for the links and resources, I'll check them out this week!

Blessings,
Traci :)

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Truly, a mother's heart IS her child's classroom! On this wonderful journey called homeschooling, it is always nice to have someone to encourage your heart and provide solid practical tips to equip you for the awesome task of educating your children for the Glory of God! I look forward to sharing product reviews, talking about learning styles, and looking at ways to minister to the hearts AND minds of our children!