Astronomy Week

Astronomy Week is observed during the calendar week in which Astronomy Day falls, beginning on Monday and continuing through Sunday. Kids love astronomy so there's lots of fun activities included throughout this post, educational and just for fun!



Branley, Franklyn H.
The Planets in Our Solar System.
1981.
HarperCollins Publishers.
Guided Reading Level: L



This very simple text by Branley, another in the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science" series, introduces readers (at the very simplest context) to the nine planets in the solar system. Kids are sure to love this because of the facts that are provided!

• How hot is Venus?
• Why are Neptune and Pluto the coldest planets?
• Why is Earth called the "life planet"?
• How many Plutos would fit inside Jupiter?
  

I think this book is definitely worth sharing with the kids!

Rabe, Tish.
There's No Place Like Space!: All About Our Solar System.
(The Cat in the Hat Learning Library).
1999.
Random House.



If the kids love Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, they're sure to love this as well! In true Tish Rabe fashion, readers are lead on an adventure that follows in Dr. Seuss' footsteps! In this edition of The Cat in the Hat Learning Library, readers set forth on an adventure through space. Their tour guide? None other than the cat himself!

Like Branley's book, this will appeal to children not only because of the well known characters leading the adventure, but also because of the rhyming text and the trivia that's provided! Children love to be able to quiz adults and see if they know something that an adult doesn't... this book provides perfect opportunity for children to show off just how much they're capable of learning and how much they know!

Lesson Plans/Learning Activities:

• Girls Engaged in Math and Science: The Solar System

Other Space Related Activities

• Astronomy with Children
• Themes: Space
• Exploring Planets in the Classroom: Hands-On Science Activities
• Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System
• Make Your Own Glow-in-the-Dark Space T-Shirt
• Harry Potter Hogwarts Telescope and Astronomy Space Science
• Tin Can Planetarium
• Uncle Milton Nigh Sky Navigator
• Outdoor Activity: Stargazing
  

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.