Science Night Suggestions
The Star Lab makes a wonderful addition to any school’s Science Night. Whether your theme is space or just exploring the various avenues of science, the dome may be integrated in your program for the duration of the evening. Below are some suggestions on creating a “Science Night that is Out of this World!”
Plan your “Astro Science Night” either in the late fall, winter, or early spring in order to best view the night sky, (you’ll be able to see stars at a reasonable hour for your younger students).
* Invite the Stockton Astronomical Society to help with a “Star Party”. Generally a couple of members will come out, free of charge, with their telescopes for viewing, weather permitting. You’ll want to contact them several weeks in advance as they get busy. In addition, the best viewing is anytime there isn’t a full moon. You may contact them at: www.stocktonastro.org.
*Reserve the “Star Lab” weeks/months in advance. Spring is a very busy time of the year, and is generally booked up by the beginning of February.
*Elicit the help of parents or older students to help facilitate several stations. There are lessons below that are designed to be used at family Space Nights.
This website offers many different activities that can be implemented in a family star night:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/observatory/index.html Great website if you are planning on having a computer for the students to use. Calculates weight, age, etc. on other planets, and astronomical bodies.
These websites contains a number of activities that may be done at home or to supplement your science night.
