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Are teaching astronomy this year? Do you want the kids to really enjoy it!
Do you have a little astronaut running around your house or a star gazer who pours over astronomy books?
I have some great ideas for you!
Let me share with you some of the astronomy resources I have discovered that have really made learning about space fun!
The Uncle Goose blocks are simple wooden blocks with painted planets, moon phases, or constellations painted on, but they are so much more! There is so much information on them! They definitely make learning fun!
The Uncle Goose blocks are simple wooden blocks with painted planets, moon phases, or constellations painted on, but they are so much more! There is so much information on them! For anyone who is really interested in space science, it will be a blessing!
Of course, you have to have a telescope!
In addition, I have seen little star gazers flip over the inflatable planets. You can hang them from the ceiling or toss them around. Hours of fun will ensue and the whole family will end up wanting to play with the inflatable solar system.
Finally, you have to have something with a motor. How about a motorized solar system with planets spinning around the sun.
All of these astronomy resources are available at Amazon. Just click on the link or the photos below to learn more about them and how to order them.
Uncle Goose’s Moon Phase Blocks
Uncle Goose Moon Phase Blocks set contains 9 blocks that are painted (not stickers) to show the 8 phases of the moon. Two sides: moon phase and location. The other sides show moon rise and set times, tidal effects, phase illustration, and the moon’s location in relation to the sun. The bonus block shows a lunar eclipse. Your astronomy students will be delighted!
Beautifully crafted and well made, these blocks are a great addition to your home school or classroom.
Purchase Uncle Goose’s Moon Phase Blocks at Amazon!
Learning Resources Giant Inflatable Solar System
Hands-Down–this was the kid’s favorite astronomy co-op meeting. We laughed so much blowing these up tossing them back and forth while we guessed the planet from the size and coloring. We hung them from the ceiling trying to make their distance from one another the proper proportion.
Learning Resources Giant Inflatable Solar System includes 8 planets, Pluto, the sun, the moon, repair kit, activity guide, and foot pump. We had a blast with these, tying them from the ceiling!
This is a super fun way to try to figure out the distance from the sun each planet is.
Purchase the Giant Inflatable Solar System at Amazon!
Telescope
The Gskyer Telescope AZ70400 is cost-effective with bright image quality and high magnification power. If the children get serious about astronomy, you can shell out 100s and 1000s of dollars, but this is a perfect beginning scope. It’s actually quite good for gazing into space! Perfect for an introduction to using a telescope!
Purchase the Gskyer Telescope AZ70400 at Amazon.
Educational Insights Geosafari Motorized Solar System Science Kit
My kids love anything that is motorized and moves. We scored 2 points automatically. This was a very helpful visual for teaching about the planets!
Educational Insights Geosafari Motorized Solar System Science Kit is the perfect STEM toy. It’s motorized and a delightful way for your little astronomers to explore our galaxy.
Purchase Educational Insights Geosafari Motorized Solar System Science Kit at Amazon!
Uncle Goose Planet Blocks
Uncle Goose’s Planet Blocks are beautifully crafted and well made. This nine block set includes the eight planets in our solar system and dwarf planet Pluto. Another great addition to your home school or classroom!
Purchase Uncle Goose’s Planet Blocks at Amazon!
Uncle Goose’s Constellation Blocks
Uncle Goose Constellation Blocks includes 16 blocks with 16 star constellations. In addition, on the other sides, you will find constellation symbols, constellation names, hemisphere where it can be seen, and scale of magnitude.
These blocks are actually great to bring along when you stargaze outside at night. Don’t forget a flashlight!
Purchase Uncle Goose’s Constellation Blocks at Amazon!
Our Astronomy Lapbook for Little Lambs
Laura Nolette and I created a hands-on resource for our little ones: Little Lambs Exploring the Heavens Lapbook. Each week they read a read a well-written, beautifully illustrated picture book, enjoy a hands-on activity, and make a booklet for your astronomy lapbook.
We will stargaze, make models, play with constellation blocks, make phases of the moon with Oreos, and make a rocket out of paper towels. Did I mention space bingo? Little Lambs Exploring the Heavens Lapbook brings together games, crafts, hands-on learning, and easy-to-understand lessons for the youngest learners. Using living books and fun activities, the youngest students are introduced to astronomy in a way that leaves a lasting positive impression to cultivate further interest in STEM subjects.
Only available as a downloadable pdf E-book, Little Lambs Exploring the Heavens Lapbook is available at PowerlineProd, PayHip.com. and TeachersPayTeachers.com.
Well there you have it! Our favorite hands-on learning resources! Have a blast this year learning astronomy and don’t forget to have fun! Learning is such a grand adventure!
Space is such a fun subject! Engaging little ones in an exciting STEM study like Astronomy with hands-on learning one can lead to a lifetime of interest in science topics of all kinds.
Until next time, Happy Homeschooling!
Warmly,
Meredith Curtis
