The space topic is filled to the brim with interesting things to learn about. It has sparked many a passionate interest over the course of the universe and formed multiple career paths, enthusiasts, and multimedia pieces too. There are plenty of reasons to show your children what space is all about, but the initial engagement period can be tricky. Here are five ways you can help your children learn about space.
Enhance Your Personal Learning
The first step is to make sure you know what you’re talking about. It is hard to get someone engaged on a topic if you don’t know the facts from the fiction. Get to know the basics, and consider expanding your knowledge into something more specific too like investing in a niche and informative media outlet like this one: https://www.thespacereport.org/about-memberships/. The more you know, the easier it will be to rally the children and get them excited, which is the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Buy a Telescope
The second step is, if you haven’t already, to invest in a decent telescope for the family home. Telescopes let you look at the stars, and given that children are highly receptive to visual learning cues, this will be an amazing opportunity for you to share together. You can use your personal knowledge to map out key planets, the moon, and stars and start the visual journey together.
Make a Solar System
Lots of children love to craft and create. There is a perfect opportunity here to create a model solar system. Learning all about the planets can be incorporated into a creative outlet and they can let their inner artist roam free. The final piece will be something you’ll all cherish, and it will be a point of pride and a reminder of where they’ve arrived on their learning journey.
Do a Stargazing Campout
For something a little different, try a stargazing campout in your back garden. This one is more suitable for older children, but it can be adapted for the little ones too. Set up a tent, maybe even a camping stove, get the s’mores in place, and track the night sky together. There are plenty of options here to make the evening special. It could be planned around an upcoming meteor shower passing by, or just to watch the stars as they emerge and shift.
Visit a Museum
Finally, visiting a museum is an age-old tried and tested method to spark some joy and interest in learning about space. There are plenty to pick from, so you won’t be bored with for choice. Museums often have a lot of information that is tailored towards interactive learning and engaging younger learners. So, you know the content will be informative and relevant and your children’s concentration will definitely take something away from the experience.
Learning about space is an important milestone in any child’s life. They will have lessons at school here and there, but one of the best bits about being a parent is showing your child the wider world and what it has to offer. Space is undeniably a part of that, and there is definitely enough to get going with.