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Adventure is everywhere around us, often in unlikely places, and a lifelong hobby can arise from a variety of sources. And while parents can only open doors for their children, a developing sense of wonder about the world, and the larger Universe around us, can lead a child on any number of adventures.

Children are born curious. And sharing the mystery of the heavens can open any number of doors...for parents and children alike. Kadence Buchanan shares her thoughts on sharing the wonders of Outer Space.

Astronomy and Kids

By Kadence Buchanan

During the clear night sky and as long as the city lights are not close or bright enough to interfere with your naked eye vision, it is always a good idea to grab a blanket and some candles and head to your house's roof or the nearest hill. Admiring the stars is not an exclusive activity kids are only allowed to perform, but it can be something you can share with them while introducing them to the unknown world of the universe.

If your child has already looked up gazing the moon and the stars and has asked you all sort of questions regarding their characteristics, their special stories and the interpretation of their slow movements, you should invest some time during a Saturday night to take your kids to the countryside and show them the stars while they awe and wonder on how these "pins" are stuck on the dark sky and why they are not visible during the day. Introducing your child to the marvels above their heads can be a tremendously educative experience your kids will love to repeat as soon as possible. Even your back yard is an ideal place to begin the learning journey that can last a lifetime. But parents support that most of the times getting started is the hardest part of this process.

If your young child has not yet learned the basics, then it is probably wisely to throw on your yard's lawn some blankets and invite your children to join you under the stars. Asking first questions, before trying to explain how things are, can assist you to figure out what they should learn first and begin teaching them the first astronomy lesson in their lives. After locating the sky's landmarks try asking questions that will excite your children and will motivate them to want to find out more. You can begin by locating the most easily recognizable element of the sky, the Moon before attempt to begin explaining why although the moon does not spin around itself, we actually see a portion of it every day until we are able to admire it as a whole. Furthermore you can look for other landmarks in the sky, like stars, in order to begin explaining the astronomical constellations. Your children will be thrilled to be able to admire such interesting scenery simply by looking at the moon's surface and create imaginative stories for the stars.

While children are still in elementary and middle school, they are more already exposed to stars and constellations. But the number of constellations and stars we are able to see each year is actually a very small number out of the plethora of stars in the sky. But if your last present to your teenager kid was a pair of binoculars, then things become even simpler. Bring a book about astronomy (suitable for your kids age) and begin reading and explaining to your children what you are reading really means.

Remember that outdoor learning activities can be as simple as noting the time and location of sunset and moon rise, and as complicated as finding the names of the brightest stars in the sky during a clear night. Of course, you can repeat it as often as you like if the weather permits such outdoor activities for a family to get together. But even if the weather conditions do not allow you to go out and admire the night sky, next to a good pair of eyes, the Internet is the backyard stargazer's best friend. Today, you will be able to find here are almost as many great websites devoted to astronomy as there are stars in the sky.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Outdoors, Food, and Recreation

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