How Do You Explain Astronomy To A Child?

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles April 13, 2020 - 10:56 am 0 773 Views

One of the most beautiful character traits children have is their sense of curiosity. As adults, we often get used to our surroundings and our sense of wonder and awe needs a little encouragement. This is when children come along with their never-ending questions, forcing you to take a step back for a moment and start wondering like a child again. The great thing about being a parent is that you can turn these curious questions to a learning opportunity, even if it relates to one of the world’s oldest sciences like Astronomy.

Astronomy is the science of the night sky, the stars, the planets, the auroras, the milky ways, or anything that leaves man baffled about the universe. So when a child expresses wonderment of such a study, it might feel rather intimidating at first. Luckily, there are many ways you can explain astronomy to a child and teach them what this ancient science is about.

Understand Before You Teach

Of course, before you explore a topic with your child, you need to establish a basic understanding of it first. Make sure that you develop an interest in astronomy yourself by understanding what there is to know about the planets, sun, stars, and the moon. Take the time to read the necessary information so you can always keep your child engaged. Listen carefully to their questions and make sure you’re having an informal discussion with them so they won’t feel that they’re being schooled. After all, you want them to remain interested.

Use the Right Resources

Astronomy can feel like a science that is complicated and vast, which is why the right material is absolutely essential. Astronomy enthusiasts at https://www.astronomyforbeginners.com/ recommend finding beginner materials so you would know which guides to read, what equipment to buy if you’re taking your learning experience to the next level, and what information that should interest you. Finding material for beginners or children will definitely lead you on the right path. Depending on your child’s age, it’s best if you get astronomy resources, whether books or online websites, tailored for kids. These resources will include pictures, videos, or text written in a simple language they can understand. There is also astronomy software that can help bring a better visual experience for your child. Many of them are easy to use and will allow your child to explore the universe from a computer.

Engage with Activities

Any child needs to be engaged so they can remain interested in the topic at hand. One way to always keep your child engaged is to prepare a few activities for them. For starters, consider having stargazing nights in your backyard where you prepare stories about the planets to tell your child and let them ask any questions or define what they see. Also, bring black construction paper and have them draw the constellation or a starry night, then they can compare that with real life. You can also let them create stars out of foil, or create the solar system with paper Mache. Working with hands-on activities actually helps develop their sense of creativity, and it’s also a fun activity that both parents and children will like. Create also a chart or lists of what they’ve learned or posters so they can feel part of their learning experience. When they compare and contrast what they’ve learned, it will allow them a deeper understanding of concepts.

Encourage Them to Explore

Keep encouraging your child to explore astronomy by taking it to the next level. Other activities you can do is visit your local planetarium so they can experience space in a whole other light. They’ll get to view the sky through simulations, watch movies, or attend fascinating lectures. You can also invest in a telescope that caters to a child who’s just beginning to learn about astronomy, and plan for ‘telescope adventures’ each week. You’ll get to discover parts of the night’s sky and discuss your findings together. Astronomy, like any science, is based on the idea of exploring and testing theories. Encourage your child to explore on their own, while you keep a safe distance as well, so they can become independent learners. This is a good way to develop their creativity and desire for learning.

As a parent, your goal is to keep that level of interest in their child alive. You want them to ask and wonder and become interested in the world’s unanswered questions. Teaching them astronomy, especially if they develop an interest, might help them challenge difficult concepts and enhance their thought process. It also feeds into their own curiosity when they look up at the night’s sky.