Astronomy education for children: breaking boundaries

If you are someone who is looking for new activities so that your child can discover what he really loves, you can not miss astronomy. Help him see everything the universe offers him with the following astronomy activities for children.

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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 little ones. That's why astronomy for children can be more than a pastime: perhaps they discover a passion that many people maintain for life.

Who has not spent hours and hours staring 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 passage of a meteorite or a shower of stars that more than once 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 do not know about the solar system or the Milky Way. They simply look up and see that immensity with so many mysteries to offer. And yes, anyone would be fascinated.

How to start children in astronomy?

Astronomy, 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 in the open air and connect us with the world we inhabit, but we strangely appreciate. This will be good for the children, who love these moments, and for parents, accustomed to wasting hours between four walls.

To begin, we can get away from the lights of the city to be able to enjoy the stars better. Spending a night in the country side will undoubtedly be the starting point to awaken your child's curiosity towards astronomy.

These are some elements that can be helpful:

• Camping tent.
• Provisions (especially water, food and hygiene items).
• A change of clothes.
• A map of the stars and constellations.
• Lantern.
• Compass.
• Telescope (not essential, but it helps). Binoculars of more than 5 magnifications can also be used.

If we talk about visits, the planetarium is the perfect place for you to begin to understand what this is about astronomy. If you have one nearby, do not hesitate to take an afternoon to visit with your son.

On the other hand, you can also base yourself on a great ally of these times:
television. You can find online many astronaut series, extraterrestrials and all kinds of content related to outer space. Film and video games can be equally useful.

In addition, you can also play with your child (or let him do it with his friends) to be an astronaut. Classic childhood game, allows you to imagine living an adventure away from Earth.

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Games are a great way to start children in astronomy.

Astronomy activities for children

The school environment and the pedagogical activities to do at home can not be left aside either. They are of all kinds. Next, we will describe the most popular ways to approach 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 made of paper, cardboard or wood. In these cases, the assistance of a major is recommended. They may also experience assembling a clock sun , which will help the child to understand its movements and Earth. You will only need cardboard, paper, scissors and glue.

Technologically: Through games on the computer, online videos or mobile applications , the child can access many and very diverse content about planets and stars . You will also find nocturnal 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 passionate about reading will find in astronomy an extremely fertile field to let their imagination fly.

Children do not know about the solar system or the Milky Way. They just look up and see that immensity with so many mysteries to offer

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Benefits of astronomy for children

First, we must emphasize that, as the saying goes, "knowledge does not take up space". so does fun. So, there is no need to deprive a child of a good time of entertaining and educational games.

Astronomy for children will take them to know the world that surrounds them.
As regards specifically astronomy for children, it is remarkable that the youngest, who are in the process of discovering the vast planet in which they live, are interested in knowing everything about everything. They are curious about plants , animals and things.

On the other hand, a minor 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 big is the immensity that surrounds us.

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.