Learning about astronomy and space science is a fun quick study. Sometimes you want to study about science without having to dig too deep. Add it to my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for a fun study and look at m page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.
When learning about astronomy and space in general there is a vast amount to cover.
Everything from stars to space dust, the mapping out of the milky way to UV rays.
I have gathered up some resources to help you build a unit study on astronomy and space science for all ages.
5 Questions and Answers for Kids about Astronomy and Space
First, let’s break it down a bit by answering some questions that may help your student better understand what and why of space sciences.
1. Is there a difference between space science and astronomy?
Yes. Space science boundaries include everything which happens from our outer part of the atmosphere to the edge of the solar system (our heliosphere).
But astronomy or astrophysics does not have boundaries. It is past the atmosphere and into the entire universe.
2. What exactly does astronomy entail?
We know it’s all about space but what exactly does that include?
Astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This covers objects we can see with our naked eyes.
For example, objects like the sun, the planets, comets and the stars.
It also means objects we can only see with telescopes or other instruments, things like galaxies far away.
3. Why are astronomy and space so important to us here on earth?
Because astronomy is used to measure time, mark the seasons, and help us to navigate the oceans.
Also, it helps us to know where we came from and to understand space sciences on different atmospheres.
4. Where did the name astronomy come from?
Astronomy was originally called astrology.
Both astrology and astronomy have Greek roots, the prefix astro-means “star.” The suffix -ology means “knowledge” or “science”
5. How many sub-fields is astronomy broken into?
There are 4 sub-field and they are:
- Astrophysics: Applying the laws of physics into space.
- Astronomy: The mapping of celestial bodies.
- Astrology: Examining rocks, terrain, and space materials.
- Astrobiology: The search for life outside of Earth.
This isn’t an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.
Additionally, these subfields are then broken into 17 different branches:
- Astrophysics
- Astrobiology
- Astrogeology
- Astrometry
- Physical cosmology
- Solar Physics
- Observational Astronomy
- Radio Astronomy
- Optical Astronomy
- Ultraviolet Astronomy
- X-ray Astronomy
- Gamma-ray Astronomy
- Cosmic Astronomy
- Planetary Astronomy
- Solar Astronomy
- Stellar Astronomy
- Galactic Astronomy
About and Astronomy and Space Books
Next, books are always my favorite place to start when putting together must have resources for a unit study.
This collection begins with a biography on Neil Armstrong.
11 Astronomy Resources & Books
Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.
From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.
With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."
Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.
New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.
Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun.
Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy
Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe.
Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed.
The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.
【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!
The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.
This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.
Furthermore, here are some videos your kids will love.
Videos are a great addition to unit studies to give kids independent learning time and they can be used for all age levels.
In addition, don’t forget to include a few fun nonfiction and fiction movies for enjoyment.
Drawing comparisons between real and imagine is a fun teaching tip.
- Get to Know Your Galaxy SciShow Kids
- What’s Up In Space The Solar System Kids Series
- Explore the Solar System SciShow Kids
- The Martian Prime Video
- Secrets of The Universe
- Planets of our Solar System Homeschool Pop
- Hidden Figures Prime Video
In addition, games are a fun way to spice up your learning day.
Games and Additional Resources
Games can create a warm family bond while you use them to teach a certain subject but also strategy, improve memory, focus, sometimes math, reading skills, and critical thinking.
Games and Resources for Astronomy
Games can bring to your boring learning day.
What you get – space memory game comes with 48 tiles and instructions.
Fun play experience - you can play a game in 5 minutes, and it's perfect for 2 - 8 players ages 3 and up, Which makes this a perfect children's gift and other special occasions.
Easy to understand instructions – space memory comes with a clearly written instruction manual that's easy to understand - you can start playing right away!
For 2-6 players
Traditional play or one-hour version
Great family fun
Another important part of learning are hands-on activities.
Hands-on Astronomy and Space Activities
Look at these hands-on activities.
Get out and explore the night sky in your own backyard, take a blanket into the backyard, turn off whatever lights you can and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
This image of the moon is one I was lucky enough to capture with a tripod and long-range lens.
Make an Easy Straw Rocket and get everybody outside for some fresh air to launch them again and again.
Make Astronaut Ice Cream to enjoy together while you talk about the different food astronauts have to eat in space.
Younger Children will enjoy creating a Puffy Paint Moon but you can challenge older kids to do it as well and see how realistic an image they can come up with.
Make marshmallow constellations and enjoy a tasty snack while you teach and grab my free astronomy pages for older kids.
Recreate the phases of the moon using oreos, paint, paper, or whatever medium you choose depending on your child’s level. Don’t assume your older children don’t want to do it, sometimes they long for simpler activities.
Finally, here is another huge list in my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.
Being someone who is involved in astronomy and astrophotography in particular I am so happy to see you write articles that help to encourage children and young people to learn about Astronomy. Some of the activities are such fun that I think they will appeal to many of different ages.
Astronaut ice-cream I’m sure doesn’t taste that good but it sure is pretty cool!
Keep encouraging young stars to take up science and develop an interest in Space!
Karl Perera recently posted…What do you need for astrophotography?
Hi Karl,
Thanks for visiting and for your encouraging comment. This was never taught to me in a fun fashion and I feel a lot of kids can miss out on such a fantastic subject. Again, thanks for being here today and have a super day.