Have you ever heard the song by Frank Sinatra -- "Fly me to the moon, Let me play among the stars; Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars".
It's a great song, and if you think about it, really represents what we have accomplished in space exploration over the past 50 years.
We've been to the moon, and beyond. We've learned about the environments of other planets. We've discovered things we never knew could exist. And hopefully, this interest and wonder of space will continue with future generations.
This week, Oct. 4th - 10th is Space Week.
It's a time to think, to ponder really, what exists in the universe.
A few years ago, my son did a science project on space junk. This was before space junk was big news! Space junk is all the stuff that comes from satellites or space shuttles that gets left in space. We had a lot of great discussions about it.
And when Pluto got demoted from it's planet status - more wonderful discussions. Why isn't it a planet? Are there other planets that we don't know about yet? Lots of questions (I love when kids ask questions!)
It's important to keep kids curious about space, allow them to dream about what could be. How can you keep them interested?
Get outside and stargaze!
Talk about what they see and what they've learned about at school.
Visit a Planetarium - a great family trip!
Read some great books:
Curious George gets a Medal
George is in more trouble, but this time the trouble leads to a trip to outer space! George has the greatest day of his life, and gets a medal too.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
Take a trip around the planets and thru space with Ms. Frizzle and the class. I love the fun facts and details included in this wonderful science series - and kids enjoy the illustations and easy-to-understand text!
There's No Place Like Space: All About our Solar System
One of the Dr. Suess Learning Library books, it's a great introduction to space for young kids. Learn about the 8 planets along with Pluto, and explore space with the Cat in the Hat.
DK First Space Encyclopedia
For a budding astronomer or astronaut, this is a wonderful book that tells you all about space, exploration and all the cool tools that are used.
If You Decide to go to the Moon
An award-winning book -- take an exciting trip to the moon is this gorgeously illustrated book! Kids will love learning how to get there and what they'll see on their visit.
The Magic Treee House's Space: A nonfiction companion
If you've ever travelled with Jack and Annie, you know that Jack loves to keep a notebook with all the facts they learn on their trip. The non-fiction books greatly expand on Jack's notes. This one explores the planets and the universe; it's wonderful for those reading early chapter books.
The Magic School Bus: Space Explorers
Another fun chapter book, the Magic School Bus series also shares some great facts about the solar system.
A Wrinkle in Time
One of my favorite fiction space books, take an amazing trip with Meg and Charles as they travel to different planets to save their father! This is a great read-aloud for kids who aren't yet ready for chapter books! A winner of the Newbery Medal for excellence in children's literature.
Rainy Day Mum, Nurturestore, Toddler Approved, Here Comes the Girls, 3 Dinosaurs, Mummy Mummy Mum,
Science Sparks, Living Montessori Now, One Perfect Day, K C Edventures Taming the Goblin
Love these book ideas. Thanks for sharing them!