m0mmaBuck Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 What kits/labs have you tried and enjoyed? What field trips would you suggest? My kids are 7 and 11. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 For field trips, we have enjoyed star gazing parties hosted by the science/tech/space museums and the national parks. We also enjoy trips to the planetariums. I just keep a lookout for these events most of which is free or low cost. We are eyeing getting a good telescope but it makes more economical sense to use the high end and very pricy ones setup at the stargazing parties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshin Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Check to see if your area has a local astronomy club. My son's club does monthly public outreach events -- including star parties, and offers monthly kids' astronomy classes (for free), has monthly lectures (including one from an astronaut). Our club costs $25 to join, although all activities are free to nonmembers. Joining gives my son access to the club's telescope library and book library. We have a huge scope in our living room that's there for the foreseeable future because it's only for kids to check out, and he's the only kid member! If you choose to buy a scope, avoid those at Walmart and other budget department store scopes. Most are utter junk. A decent Dobsonian, such as the Orion Starblast, cost less than $200, works great and is easy for kids and adults to use. I've found Orion's hold value well because of their construction and the company's reputation (awesome customer service!), if you want to resell it down the road. You don't need a telescope, though. A decent pair of binoculars and a star map in the backyard is amazing on its own. Here's a link to a ton of printable star maps: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/resources/internet/3305011.html The Astronomy League has some very good observing programs to help you get started with binoculars. The Sky Puppy program is aimed at kids under 12: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/skypuppy/skypuppy2.htm The urban skies program features objects easily viewable from a backyard: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/urban/urban.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athomeontheprairie Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Community colleges here have events open to the public, often once a month. They also try to have events that coincide with meteor showers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.