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Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some learning about the solar system activities and a free Cosmic Wonders Fun Guide to the Universe’s Coolest Events. Look at my other page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

Learning about the cool events in the night sky printable has family activities and learning prompts.

And there are many hands-on ideas to keep your kids learning. For example, your child can build a comet model and keep a sky journal.

Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

However, you want to explain what are cosmic events. Your child may know some of them.

For instance, they are supernovas which is a star that when it dies it explodes. Too, some supernovas can be seen from Earth without a telescope.

And a shooting star which your child may be familiar with is a tiny piece of space rock burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.

BOOKS ABOUT THE WONDERS OF THE SKY FOR KIDS

Next, look at a few of these books about the universe.

5 Books About Awesome Things in the Skies

Whether it’s the Northern Lights or shooting stars these books bring the wonder of the skies to life!

Next, look at these solar system activities to add to your learning day.

SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

Learning About The Solar System Free Cosmic Wonders Guide

Also, look at what is included in this free printable.

COSMIC WONDERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

  • meteor showers
  • auroras
  • solar & lunar eclipses
  • comets
  • planetary alignments
  • supermoons
  • blood moons
  • zodiacal light
  • earthshine
  • sun halos

HOW TO GET THE FREE COSMIC WONDERS GUIDE

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a 4 weeks free Galileo unit study and a fun telescope craft. Look at my other pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

To make a Galileo unit study exciting we are crafting our own refracting telescope and look at some other great ideas to build it up.

A refracting telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses lenses to focus light and create an image of a distant object.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

It is the oldest and most common type of telescope.

And was first developed in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei.

Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries.

He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of science.

His work laid the foundation for modern physics as well as the development of calculus.

He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564 and he showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he studied at the University of Pisa.

After graduating, Galileo taught mathematics at the University of Padua for the next 18 years.

While he was there, he made a number of important discoveries.

He developed a new theory of motion, which showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of their weight.

Also, he also invented the telescope, which allowed him to make detailed observations of the planets and stars.

KIDS BOOKS ABOUT GALILEO

First, look at these fun books

4 Books About Galileo

Add these books to our home library. Use for a unit study or reading for the day.

Then look at these history and geography Galileo unit study ideas.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

He was the first person to observe the four largest moons of Jupiter and discovered the phases of Venus.

Galileo published his book “The Starry Messenger” in 1610 and described his observations of the solar system. His book provided strong evidence in support of the Copernican theory, which said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

This important work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Grab a map or atlas and help your child locate different NASA space center locations throughout the US and the world.

  • White Sands Test Facility-Cruces, NM
  • Ames Research Center-Moffett Field, CA
  • Armstrong Flight Research Center-Edwards, CA
  • Glenn Research Center-Cleveland, OH
  • Goddard Space Flight Center-Greenbelt, MD
  • Goddard Institute of Space Studies-New York, NY
  • IV and V Facility-Fairmont, WV
  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-Pasadena, CA
  • Johnson Space Center-Houston, TX
  • Kennedy Space Center-FL
  • Langley Research Center-Hampton, VA
  • Marshall Space Flight Center-Huntsville, AL
  • NASA HQ-Washington, D.C.
  • Stennis Space Center-MS
  • Wallops Flight Facility-Wallops Island, VA

Then look at more hands-on ideas.

NATURE & SCIENCE GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

  • Simple Space Themed Addition and Subtraction is a solid way to learn basic math facts while keeping with the unit.
  • These Find The Letter Worksheets with a space theme are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
  • Learn about time and motion. Galileo famously discovered that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight.
  • These Space Counting Mats can be laminated and used over and over with small treats like candies or crackers as well as other non edible manipulatives.
  • Teach kids about angles.
  • Learn about planetary distances.
  • Write a short biography about Galileo.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Additionally, look at arts and crafts ideas for learning about Galileo.

ARTS & CRAFTS GALILEO UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 4

Next, look at more best homeschool unit studies.

MORE BEST HOMESCHOOL UNIT STUDIES

HOW TO MAKE A TELESCOPE CRAFT

Finally, look at how to make a telescope craft.

You will need:

  • An empty paper towel roll
  • Masking, duct, packing tape
  • Markers, crayons, stickers
  • Old pair of reading glasses (can be purchased at Dollar Tree)
  • Scissors
4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

First, cut lengthwise down one of the paper towel tubes.

Squeeze it lightly together and slide it inside of the uncut tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Before moving on let your child decorate the outside of their “telescope” with crayons or markers, you could also use space themed stickers like these.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Pop the lenses carefully out of the glasses.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

Place one lens with the concave (curved outward) side face away from the tube, use duct tape or masking tape to secure it to the end, covering as little of the glass as possible.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

On the other end of the telescope tape the second lens with the curve facing the inside of the tube.

4 Weeks Free Galileo Unit Study & How to Make a Telescope Craft

To focus, slide the inner paper towel tube in and out as you look through the end.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy study of the solar system interactive worksheets. Pair this with my lapbook and Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for a fun study.

You know I’m a huge advocate for hands-on learning.

And these study of the solar system interactive worksheets fit with that slant.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

Interactive worksheets can have fill in the blank, puzzles, word searches and a place for or child to draw.

When you add them along with my lapbook and astronomy unit study you can easily study the planets for a week or longer.

So, I have 10 free pages about the solar system.

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT THE SOLAR SYSTEM

First, look at some of these books to add to your reading day.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

Next, look at these hands on ideas to go with these fun interactive worksheets.

STUDY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM HANDS ON IDEAS

Also, look at this fun lapbook.

ASTRONOMY LAPBOOK

This lapbook has two sets of minibooks which are the same.

The only difference is that one set has information filled in each minibook with a cursive font.

Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
  • Because I use a combination of cursive and print fonts, I aim my lapbooks toward upper elementary up to high school.
  • The lapbook could be used for high school when your student uses the lapbook with minibooks with blank inside pages. Another option for high school is to mix and match the minibooks with facts filled in with minibooks with blank inside pages.
  • This is a .pdf instant downloadable product and not a physical product.
  • You are paying for the printables, the lapbook.
  • You can use any reference materials, books, or online resources to complete the lapbook. I don’t provide links in the lapbooks for filling in the information. This keeps my prices low for my products, but I do provide free links and unit studies on my site as I can.
  • My printables are very flexible. You decide which topics you want your children to research.  Also, you can mix and match filled in and blank minibooks of your choice.

Finally, look at what comes with the free solar system interactive worksheets.

FREE SOLAR SYSTEM INTERACTIVE WORKSHEETS

Look at the free printables in this download.

  • The Sun A Super Star!
  • Moon The Night Light
  • Mars The Red Planet
  • Mercury The Swift Planet
  • Venus The Morning Star
  • Earth The Blue Planet
  • Jupiter The Giant Planet
  • Saturn The Ringed Planet
  • Uranus The Ice Giant
  • Neptune The Big Blue Planet

HOW TO GET THE FREE INTERACTIVE WORKSHEETS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

Easy Study Of The Solar System Fun Interactive Worksheets

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You want to create the perfect kindergarten homeschool set up. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Then figure out your child’s learning style and pick your curriculum, or at least the style of learning you are going to begin following.

You may have a dedicated homeschool room or you may just enjoy school together snuggled up on the couch.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Either way you will want to create a setup that works well for you.

I can guarantee a few things.

You will probably change curriculum at least a handful of times before you are done.

Next, your needs as a homeschool family will change over the years.

What works now may not work next year, or even later this year and that’s okay.

I am going to give you some tips to help keep it flexible.

So that whatever you choose for a set up will always fit into your homeschool life with a little adjustment here and there.

4 Ways to Begin Your Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Do you have an empty extra room already to be a blank canvas as your learning area?

Will you be starting on the couch then moving to a table for penmanship and crafts?

 Get an idea of where you will have your homeschool base so you can set it up properly.

There are benefits for a dedicated room despite what some homeschooler tout.

For example, it helps you and your child to focus with less distraction.

Also, it sets the mood for learning, and gives you a defined place to display posters, your child’s artwork, and more.

At the end of the day, you can close the door and keep the school supplies contained to one room.

The drawback to a room is that learning shouldn’t be stifled and takes place everywhere and all day long.

Crayons and paper scattered on the coffee table might inspire your little Picasso to create art.

A stack of animal books on the kitchen table along with some plastic creatures will invite a curious child to create a diorama.

Or add some popsicle sticks and playdough in to make enclosures for each animal.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

You will probably find that somewhere in the middle works best, but it is up to you and your family.

You may need just a bookshelf in a corner and a basket in the living room.

1. Choose Your Kindergarten Furniture Wisely

Smaller children need smaller furniture.

While they can sit at a big family table for meals you will find that younger kids have a much easier time sitting at a table or desk that is scaled just for them.

To master fine motor skills such as handwriting they really need to be able to use the correct posture.

Search for something that is great for multipurpose uses to get the best bang for your buck like a little table and chair setup.

This is wonderful for writing but also painting, playing with playdough, sorting math manipulatives, and even enjoying a snack.

A good sturdy bookshelf is a must have as well no matter where you find a home for it.

It could be beside your recliner or in a dedicated school space.

You want a home for the majority of your materials to keep them organized and ready to go.

2. Gather up all your mom/teacher materials

Start with your own supplies for planning, even if you are doing a very relaxed homeschool a planner can help keep you organized and also serves as part of your homeschool record. 

Check out some of my very favorite planners here on my site.

I create the 7 Step DIY Unique Homeschool Planner that is free. Let me walk you through step by step to create your own unique planner.

And I have a planner which is specifically designed with teaching little ones from preschool to about first grade.

One of my favorite materials is good mom encouraging books.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

I have learned so much from other homeschooling moms and if you didn’t already know I am a veteran of 20 years and have written my own book that you can grab right here to help you navigate your first-year homeschooling.

3. Collect your child’s books, supplies, and games

Gather up some basic school supplies like pencils, paper, crayons, markers, a couple types of paper scissors, and glue.

You can add as you go but these are a good place to start.

Check here for a more exhaustive list of my 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten. Invest in educational toys, manipulatives, and games that align with your child’s interests and learning goals

You want to choose things that can be used in multiple ways and for more than just one year. Here are just a few of my favorites.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Magnetic tiles can be used to make letters and numbers, create roads, to teach shapes, they can be measured, weighed, and as a part of all important make believe play.
  • Letters/Numbers will be used for years to learn not only letters but eventually they can be used as spelling word practice.
  • Dry erase, chalkboards, or LCD tablets are wonderful for beginning writing practice, doing simple math problems, and so much more.
  • Add in a few neat games. Playing board games may seem like all fun but they teach your child how to follow directions, develop critical thinking skills, improve attention span, learn cooperation, and how to be a good winner/loser.

There is much more than this I could recommend.

These are just a few basics beyond crayons and paper that will round out your child’s kindergarten education.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

4. Create a Simple Storage System

To contain your daily materials, you can use a large basket or a bookshelf,

One thing that I really like to utilize throughout all levels of homeschooling- a tiered cart that can be rolled from the kitchen table to the couch, because you will find out that homeschooling takes place everywhere.

A 3-tier cart is a great option because it gives you a place to keep your materials and books, a shelf for their curriculum and supplies, and a section for fun games, puzzles, and manipulatives to use throughout the day.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

The top level is a good place to keep your planner, teacher manuals, books, and special items for yourself.

A few final tips before I let you get to putting together your kindergarten homeschool set up.

Utilize your local library, thrift store, and yard sales to build an amazing library full of living books, picture books, and chapter books for read alouds.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Enjoy this year, it will be over before you know it and there is nothing like watching your child light up as they learn new things.

Don’t go crazy buying too much right away, you can always add things as you go but start small with just the basics.

This space will not only be a place for your child to learn but also a haven where creativity and curiosity can flourish.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re creating a stunning night sky paper roll display. Also, look at my post Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more fun ideas,

It can be a different scene every time you make it.

But not only are we going to make a beautiful piece of art, we are going to embark on a journey through the night sky,

We’re uncovering some of the most fascinating objects that can be seen with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars.

I have lots of great information to share with you as well as.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Too, I have a few resources.

Add them to your night sky study and make it a fascinating launch into all things space (from our view here on earth).

As you step outside on a clear night, the first thing you’ll notice is the multitude of stars twinkling above you.

Some stars, like our own Sun, shine with a steady golden light.

Others may appear red, blue, or even green due to their different temperatures and compositions.

If you look out past the stars, you will encounter the planets.

Some of the planets in our solar system that you can sometimes view with the naked eye include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

And occasionally you can view Uranus if you have sharp eyes.

Books About the Moon For Kids

First, look at some of these fun books about the moon.

Add them to you home library and read aloud to your kids as they do this fun craft.

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

Exploring the Night Sky

Each planet has its own distinct characteristics.

For example, the rings of Saturn, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, or the methane haze surrounding Neptune, make them fun and easy to recreate.

In the sky we see vast collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Our own Milky Way galaxy is a spiral galaxy, with a bright center surrounded by spiral arms that stretch across the sky.

Other galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, are visible to the naked eye on dark nights.

Nebulae, ethereal clouds of gas and dust, are another captivating sight in the night sky.

Some nebulae, like the Orion Nebula, are so bright and colorful that they can be seen with the naked eye.

Other nebulae, such as the Horsehead Nebula, require a telescope to reveal their intricate shapes and glowing tendrils.

In addition to these amazing sights, we can view meteor showers, which are caused by debris from comets or asteroids entering Earth’s atmosphere.

They can produce streaks of light across the sky.

Eclipses, which occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun (solar eclipse) or the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun (lunar eclipse).

Exploring the night sky is not only a fun and educational activity but also a profound experience.

It reminds us of our place in the vastness of the universe and inspires us to dream and wonder about the mysteries that lie beyond our reach.

So, next time you find yourself under a clear night sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos that surrounds us.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

To bring that beauty a little closer we are going to create a project to model the night sky with any and all of these sights that you want to include.

Imagine you are standing in your backyard or better yet a big field with no streetlights to dim your view.

What would you see if you looked up? What would you like to be able to see? We are going to create that view on paper.

Night Sky Paper Roll Resources

These resources will come in handy before, after, and during your craft project.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Finally, look at how to make a fun night sky paper roll.

Night Sky Paper Roll Display

The wonderful thing about this project is that it is adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities from the scribbling 2-year-old to the artistic 16-year-old.

You will need:

  • Black paper roll
  • Craft paint
  • Paint pens
  • Paintbrushes
  • Old toothbrush
  • Various sized lids
How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

For this craft you want to cover your work surface well.

A disposable tablecloth from Dollar Tree works great for protection of your table and for easy clean up.

Once your work surface is protected, roll out a piece of black paper however long you would like it to be.

A good 2’ gives you plenty of space for your night sky.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Gather supplies-paint, a variety of paintbrushes, and several sizes of lids or a circle stamp.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Start by painting a big round moon where you would like it to be on your paper.

Night Sky Paper Craft

Use your fingers, brushes, or sponges to lay the paint on thick and create texture so it appears to have craters.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Next, we are going to use paintbrushes, or a toothbrush works wonderfully to create stars all over our night sky.

Load either one up with paint and then tap against your hand to create a splatter.

Continue moving to cover the page with various sized splatters.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

When you are satisfied with your stars it’s time to create whatever planets you would like.

To do this and give variations to the colors put paint in 2-3 shades on your plastic or a paper plate and stamp a lid into it

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Transfer to the paper and stamp firmly onto it.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

You can also paint directly onto the lid like I did here with ‘Mercury’ and then stamp it on the paper.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

To make some planets appear closer use larger lids and for those farther away use smaller ones.

Create star clusters or the milky way by splattering paint closer together or using loose bristled brushes.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

By this point your light spatters will probably be mostly dry but the thicker planets may still be wet.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Once everything is dry you can go back in with paint markers or a small, tipped paintbrush.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Add more defined shapes and details like Saturn’s rings.

Hang it up and admire your handiwork night or day.