There are a variety of opportunities for informal engagement (through organizations and clubs such as libraries, planetariums, science centers, astronomy clubs, and scout troops) on this topic.
Events could include bringing in speakers, holding shows in a portable planetarium, or an evening telescope observing session.
Consider getting in touch with local astronomical societies, planetariums, and museums, local scientists (astronomy and geology departments at nearby universities are a good place to start), and NASA's Solar System Ambassadors -- ask them to join your events and share their experiences or resources with the children. For this month's theme, it would be particularly appropriate to set up a telescope display as part of your plans.
Be sure to submit photographs, artwork, music, or words of your community enjoying this activity to Share Your Stories.
Activities
| Make Your Own Sundial | Construct a model sundial from paper. After this activity you will know the design, principle and orientation of a sundial, the type with a gnomon pointing towards the pole of the heavens.
Visit Spanish Resources to view this activity (Haciendo Su Propio Reloj Solar) in Spanish. |
| Changing Shadows | Participants observe changes in shadows over time. The activity also helps to develop a sense of the Earth's motion. Since this activity requires some passage of time for a noticeable change in shadows, it is best done at the beginning of an event or a series of activities so participants can revisit their tracings after a period of time. At museum or planetarium settings, this might be a good activity to set up at the entrance for visitors to do at the beginning and end of their visit. |
