Astronomy Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Activities

Gr 3–6—Astronomy comes to life in this activity book of science labs. Astronomy educator and professional Nichols has used her 20-plus years of experience to pen a fun, educational compilation of simple astronomy labs for children. It begins by helping children develop background knowledge in observational skills, angles, and directions before it increases in complexity. The content is well organized, and each lab layout is consistent with headings and photographs in addition to enrichment opportunities. Time constraints, materials, setup, and safety cautions precede instructions, followed by a "The Science Behind the Fun" blurb explaining the activity for students who may be less familiar with the subjects involved. Especially valuable are images that illustrate each step in the instructions. The projects are divided into units, such as "Size and Scale" and "Light, Motion, and Gravity," making it easy to follow and locate relevant materials to aid or accompany classroom learning. A comprehensive list of additional resources is provided.