Astronomy For Children: Breaking Limits
The idea that there is life on another planet or even the mere fact that there are other worlds similar to ours produces an unusual interest in the smallest. That’s why astronomy for kids can be more than just a hobby – they may discover a passion that many people have for life.
Who has not spent hours and hours looking at the sky on a starry night? All, in the same way, we have been perplexed observing the immensity and beauty of a full Moon. And not to mention those occasional phenomena, such as the passing of a meteorite or a shower of stars that more than once have made us stay up late, sitting in the patio.
If all this generates the elements of outer space in adults, imagine how intriguing it is for children. Many of them still don’t know about the solar system or the Milky Way. They just look up and see that vastness with so many mysteries to offer. And yes, anyone would be fascinated.
How to start children in astronomy?
Astronomy, a science that is dedicated to the study of the celestial bodies of the universe, is an activity that, inevitably, will force us to spend time outdoors and will connect us with the world that we inhabit, but strangely we appreciate. This will be good for children, who love these moments, and for parents, used to wasting hours between four walls.
To begin, we can get away from the lights of the city to better enjoy the stars. Spending a night in the field will undoubtedly be the starting point to awaken your child’s curiosity towards astronomy.
These are some elements that may be helpful:
- Camping tent.
- Provisions (especially water, food and hygiene items).
- A change of clothes.
- A map of the stars and constellations.
- Flashlight.
- Compass.
- Telescope (not essential, but it does help). Binoculars with more than 5x magnification can also work.
When it comes to visits, the planetarium is the perfect place for you to begin to understand what this astronomy is all about. If you have one nearby, don’t hesitate to take an afternoon to explore it with your child.
On the other hand, you can also rely on a great ally of these times: television. You can find online many series of astronauts, aliens and all kinds of content related to outer space. Movies and video games can be just as helpful.
In addition, you can also play with your child (or let him do it with his friends) to be an astronaut. Classic childhood game, lets you imagine living an adventure far from Earth.
Astronomy activities for children
The school environment and pedagogical activities to do at home cannot be ignored either. They are of all kinds. Next, we will describe the most popular ways of approaching astronomy for children:
- Artistic: through drawing or sculpture the child can begin to recognize planets, stars and other elements related to astronomy.
- Modeling – Another great idea is to build a spaceship, which can be out of paper, cardboard, or wood. In these cases, the assistance of a major is recommended. They can also experiment with assembling a sundial, which will help the child understand their movements and those of the Earth. You will only need cardboard, paper, scissors and glue.
- Technological: through computer games, online videos or mobile applications, the child can access many and very diverse contents about planets and stars. You will also find night images of the Earth or you can calculate how long it would take to travel to Mars.
- Books and magazines: they are another great way to bring them closer to this scientific field. Through stories, photographs, riddles and other types of activities, children who are passionate about reading will find in astronomy an extremely fertile field to let their imagination run wild.
Benefits of astronomy for children
In the first place, we must emphasize that, as the saying goes, “knowledge does not occupy a place”. We could add, in addition, that the fun is not either. So there is no reason to deprive a child of a good time of entertaining and educational games.
With regard specifically to astronomy for children, it is remarkable that the little ones, who are in the process of discovering the vast planet on which they live, are interested in knowing everything about everything. They are curious about plants, animals and things.
On the other hand, a no small aspect is to generate critical thinking that allows you to dimension the role of human beings on the planet, how we have evolved together with our environment and how great the immensity that surrounds us is.
After all the above, one thing is clear: there is an infinite world to know and explore, and the tools, more than ever, are within our reach.
