Z's 2nd Grade Astronomy

After finishing up Earth Science, we are moving on to Astronomy.  I'm using 2 encyclopedias as my main spine and then fleshing them out with numerous books, videos, games and other fun extras!  The spines are Usborne's First Encyclopedia of Space and DK's First Space Encyclopedia (my favorite one).  I also have Christian Kid's Explore Earth & Space but it didn't have enough for Z.

I created an outline using the 2 spines (USB and DK) and divided the subject material into categories.  Some of these are short and some are packed full of material, like space exploration and the solar system.

Astronomy Outline of Categories

1. Intro to Space - USB 4-7; DK 4-7
2. Telescopes -USB 8-11; DK 8-13
3. Galaxies, Stars & Universe - USB 46-53; DK 14-23, 96-97, 102-105
4. Space Exploration - USB 12-25; DK 24-49
5. The Solar System - USB 28-43: DK 50-75
6. Comets and Meteors - USB 44-45; DK 76-87
7. Mysteries of Space - USB 26-27, 54-55; DK 88-95, 98-101
8. Constellations & Stargazing - USB 56-59; DK 106-117

Free Printable - 2nd Grade Experiment Page

I made a free printable page that contains the Well Trained Mind's questions for Earth & Space science experiments: 2nd Grade Experiment Page

Seattle Pacific Science Center

We took a "field trip" to the Seattle Pacific Science Center and had a blast!  We went through all the exhibits, saw the planetarium show and watched "Hubble 3D" in the IMAX.  The Hubble 3D was our favorite part of the trip! It felt like the objects were right on your nose and then feeling like you are floating in space with the astronauts working on the Hubble telescope was so cool!  K expanded her learning of Astronomy on this visit and it was great to see her apply things she has learned.  Here is a short video of our trip with some pictures:

Space Shuttle & Hubble Telescope Model Kit

I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy this kit lol.  Most of the parts didn't fit right and it was a hassle to put together and didn't necessarily fit together but we made it work.  Then the stand couldn't hold it well so it is tilting to the side lol!  The important part is - K liked it....so there.  Here is our completed model:

Space Bathroom

Astronomy - Venus Project

We are finishing up our study of Venus this week and one of the projects was to discuss the volcanoes on Venus and demonstrate how the liquid rock (lava) makes it way through the area and then cools and turns back to hard rock again.  We used butter by melting it and then pouring it over our tiny bowl that was enveloped in flour on a plate.  It made its pathways through the flour and then a few hours later we checked it and it had hardened after cooling!  K loved it and it was fun!

Here is a video of us doing the project:

Astronomy - Mercury Project

Astronomy Links Index

Here are links that you can use in your homeschool astronomy studies.  For each lesson in Apologia Astronomy we do, I hope to give you links specific to that lesson, this is just a general index of astronomy. There are so many links for astronomy, so I just gave a few and some of the links contain many other links within their website - especially the education programs.

Teach Space Science
Astronomy Resource Links 
StarChild - Young Astronomers
Astronomy.com
Kids Astronomy
Exploring the Planets
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Nine Planets
Kids Nine Planets
NASA
NASA Kids Space Place 
NASA Kids Club
Star Gazers
Space Themes
Usborne Astronomy Links
HubbleSite
Astronomy and Space
Solar System Homeschool Tools
Kids Space Sites
Arty the Astronaunt
Solar Views
Astronomy Now Online
Astronomy Pic of the Day
NSTA
Astronomy Resources
Night Sky Live
Goddard Science
Goddard Space Flight
NASA Education
NASA Space Kids
NASA Students

Space Suits Interactive Flash

Printable Cards
Solar System Trading Cards
Galaxy Trading Cards

Other
Pacific Science Center
Space Camp
Starry Night Education Software

Astronomy - The Sun; Part 1

Lesson 2 of Apologia's Astronomy is about the sun.  We divided the material into two sections - and this post covers mostly the first section (sun facts, solar flares, sunspots, auroras).  We use the Apologia Astronomy notebooking to supplement our lessons and below is a short video clip of what we have done so far in our notebooking.

Other activities that go along with this lesson:

1. Sun booklet -awesome online book with links to pictures at the end for auroras, solar flares, etc.
2. Various links on the sun
3. How the Sun Works articles, pics, etc.
4. All about the Sun for kids - has photos, vids, etc
   

Why Does the Sun Shine - Song
You can get the lyrics and music here or sing along with the video below:



Videos that can go with this lesson:

- Hundreds of videos HERE

- We watched "Bill Nye the Science Guy - The Sun"

Other Links:
National Solar Observatory
Stanford Solar Center
Sun and Solar Physics
Big Bear Solar Observatory
SOHO
Solar Science
Sun-Earth Day

Solar System Project

We are doing Apologia's Astronomy this year and one of the projects was to make the solar system.  K enjoyed this project very much and is really learning about the planets!  Her favorite is Saturn and then Pluto, although Pluto isn't considered a planet anymore we are still including it in our studies.  We had so much fun as a family doing this project and one planet made hubby and I have many jokes and laughter - I will leave you to guess which one.