Programming Ideas: Astronomy
Astronomy is an exciting science-related topic that everyone enjoys! A hands-on program celebrating the planets, stars, and universe is a great way to draw families to the library.
Local planetariums, science museums, and astronomy clubs would make great partners for this event. Here in the Bay Area, contact the Chabot Science & Space Center and inquire about their library outreach program: Learning Everywhere – Chabot Space & Science Center | East Bay Area – Oakland CA. They also offer virtual field trips: Free Virtual Field Trips – Chabot Space & Science Center | East Bay Area – Oakland CA.
Another great partner is the Eastbay Astronomical Society. Their members bring evening star parties to libraries free of charge: Outreach | Eastbay Astronomical Society.
Games
Space Bingo: Free Printable Space Bingo Game – Made with HAPPY or Free Printable Solar System Bingo | artsy-fartsy mama (artsyfartsymama.com)
Moon Rock Relay: This is similar to Egg and Spoon – Divide participants into teams of four. Have players line up single file by team, along the starting line. First players place a fist-sized rock on a spoon, and on “go” they race to the finish line and place the rock in the team’s bucket. Then, the player races back to hand off the spoon to the next player who repeats the activity. First team to finish wins! To make it more fun, you can make a rule that they have to run in slow-motion as if they were really on the moon which has less gravity than Earth.
Saturns Rings: Players toss three hoops at a ball set on the ground, to replicate Saturn. Prizes awarded based on how many rings make it over the ball.
Bean Bag Toss: Players toss three bean bags at a shoe box with an alien on it (you can draw one). Player wins a prize if the shoe box is knocked off the table.
Space Words Scramble: This is a good “quiet down” game since it is played with paper and pencil – Space Word Scramble – Free Word Jumble Puzzle Game with Answers (sciencekids.co.nz).
Crafts
Origami Stars: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/origami-star.html or https://www.allthingspaper.net/2013/04/folded-lucky-stars-tutorial-more.html
Flying Rockets: Make a Flying Rocket! – Picklebums
Rocket Bookmarks: DIY Rocket Corner Bookmark | Space Craft for Kids (artsycraftsymom.com)
Pipecleaner Constellations: Pipe Cleaner Constellations – a Hands-on Constellation Activity (123homeschool4me.com)
Galaxy Pinwheels: Make a Pinwheel Galaxy Pinwheel | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids
Refreshments Offer star-shaped cookies or cupcakes decorated with stars to the attendees.
Penny Peck, SJSU iSchool
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