Looking for Astronomy Suggestions

[Parabola]

I'm looking for suggestions for teaching astronomy/earth study next fall. I don't want anything that is purely workbook style. I'm looking for reading, hands on, labs, activities, lots of actual stargazing, and some actual physics,etc. Something with a little meat. And it has to be secular, I don't want any creationism entering into the picture.

I don't want it to be too simple, we already have read and learned a lot about earth and space, so I'm willing to consider ideas geared towards children older than mine.

I'm currently considering R.E.A.L. Science Earth and Space though I have reservations about it so I would like to hear other ideas. Any suggestion is welcome. TIA.

[hsmom]

http://www.homeschoolscience.com/homeschool_science/astronomy.html

 

here is a great hands on.

[Sunshine State Sue]

I just wanted to let you know about my favorite elementary age Astronomy author - Franklyn Branley. Check him out at the library.

 

http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Teachers/AuthorsAndIllustrators/ContributorDetail.aspx?CId=11830

[Tami]

I like their Basic Earth Science curriculum. YOu can get it printed or online. It is supposed to be for 7th grade, but it is way to easy for that grade level, imo.

[Parabola]

I've used homeschool science adventure kits before, I use them over the summer. Microscopic Adventures one year, birds this summer, astronomy I've planned for next summer. They're fun aren't they?

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I appreciate them and I'll be looking into them. Thanks!

[Parabola]

These are great. Thanks for taking the time. A lot of them I am familiar with. Actually, the Asimov book and Carl Sagan are books on my shelf now. They were books on my dad's shelf when I was growing up.

Its great having all of these in one list, I have copied and pasted the entire thing into a word document. Whether we use them to supplement or if I end up devising an astronomy plan of my own, this will be a great resource for years to come. Thank you so much!

[ELaurie]

 

George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking. It's a sci-fi adventure story, but packed with information about planets, stars, the universe, and black holes.