by Kathi Wagner
planetarium
A special building designed to display all the wonders of the solar system and outer space to an audience.
Polaris
The name given to the earth’s pole star. You can find Polaris by looking for a bright star in the northern sky. It is part of a constellation we call the Little Dipper.
reflecting
Normally, people are thinking of water or mirrors when they think about something reflecting an image or light. Even though the moon has no light source of its own, it shines in the sky because the sun’s light is reflecting off of the moon’s surface.
satellite
A satellite can be a manmade object or something created in space that orbits planets such as Earth. Manmade satellites are used to send information from place to place or keep track of the weather.
science fiction
When a story is made up or not true it is considered fiction. Science fiction is a blend of scientific information and fiction. Many stories and movies about space are considered science fiction.
solar system
Our solar system consists of eight planets, one dwarf planet, the sun, and all of the other items that orbit around it. Our solar system is just one of many in the universe.
spectrum
Scientists and astronomers use a spectroscope to see the breakdown or separation of light into a spectrum, the same colors created by light shining through a prism.
telescope
A telescope is a tool that was invented to help people see things that are far away in the distance. Astronomers use telescopes to see planets and stars millions of miles out in space.
time warp
Some scientists wonder if there are places in space where time is distorted or warped. One place they believe a time warp may exist is in or around a black hole. Because no one has ever been there they can only guess what might happen.
universe
Everything around us as far as the eye can see. It contains stars, galaxies, planets, space, and us. Some people think there are other universes that go on beyond the one where we live.
Appendix B
Resources
Books
Carson, Mary Kay. Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities (For Kids series). Chicago Review Press, 2006.
Cole, Michael D. The Sun: The Center of the Solar System (Countdown to Space). Enslow Publishers, 2001.
DK Publishing (editor). Astronomy. DK Publishing, 2004.
DK Publishing (editor). Universe (DK Eyewitness Books). DK Publishing, 2003.
Harrington, Philip. Astronomy for All Ages, 2nd edition: Discovering the Universe through Activities for Children and Adults. Globe Pequot, 2000.
Kerrod, Robin. Astronomy. Southwater Publishing, 2000.
Nobleman, Marc Tyler. 3-D Thrillers! Solar System (Discovery Kids). Dutton Children’s Books, 2001.
School Specialty Publishing (editor). Our Solar System Science Kit (Brighter Child). School Specialty Publishing, 2004.
School Specialty Publishing (editor). Solar System (Just the Facts). School Specialty Publishing, 2006.
Sohn, Emily. Space and Astronomy (Science News for Kids). Chelsea House Publications, 2006.
Stott, Carole. Astronomy: Discoveries, Solar System, Stars, Universe. Kingfisher, 2003.
VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave’s the Solar
System: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects. Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Web Sites
Amazing Space
At Amazing Space you will find movies featuring current cosmic events, along with space games, news about the universe, and a section for homework help.
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/tonights_sky/index.php
Artyastro.com
At Artyastro.com you can travel through space, enter a time machine, or check your weight on one of the many different planets.
You will also find word search pages when you visit this site.
www.artyastro.com/main.htm
Astronomy for Kids
This site is filled with all kinds of fun things like sky maps, wonders from outer space, electronic postcards, information on the constellations, and endless space facts.
www.dustbunny.com/afk
Earth and Moon Viewer
One way to see the earth and the moon up close is to use this site called the Earth and Moon Viewer. You can simply click on one of several preset images or you can see the
latitude and longitude for anywhere you want to explore on Earth. See the world from the sun’s point of view at the link below.
http://fourmilab.ch/earthview/vplanet.html
Earth from Space
You can visit Earth from space by clicking on this large map to see the world the way a satellite sees it.
http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/efs/categories.htm
Exploratorium
This Web site allows you to calculate your weight or age in numerous places located in space. You can also test your knowledge of gravity.
www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/index.html
KidsAstronomy.com
You will find all kinds of things to do at KidsAstronomy.com. Here you can print your own copy of a star map, play a constellation finding game, mail free e-cards, listen to songs, and see beautiful images.
www.kidsastronomy.com
NASA Kids’ Club
NASA Kids’ Club offers hours of entertaining fun on many different levels. Challenge yourself and your family’s knowledge of the universe with these astronomical activities.
www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
NASA Science Fun
With one click of your mouse and a tap of your space bar you can watch numerous movies of all different kinds of space phenomena.
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids
NASA Space Place
NASA Space Place contains numerous projects, facts, games, and endless animated information. You will also find crafts, poetry, and recipes at the link below.
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids
National Geographic
National Geographic lets you explore our solar system in 3-D. Each view also contains lots of fun facts and information about the planets.
www.nationalgeographic.com/solarsystem/splash.html
Science News for Kids
Explore new worlds when you visit Science News for Kids. Here you will find the latest astronomy updates, fun games, and lots of brainteasers.
www.sciencenewsforkids.org/pages/search.asp?catid=31
Space World
At Space World you will find quizzes, a dictionary, maps, numerous links to other sites, and information on everything from the phases of the moon to how to make a model of the solar system.
www.gigglepotz.com/space.htm
Windows to the Universe
See if you can eliminate all the junk left out in space in one of the numerous games available on this Windows to the Universe site. There are several puzzles, games, stories, myths, and even a virtual coloring book all just a click away.
www.windows.ucar.edu
World Almanac for Kids
When you visit World Almanac for Kids you will find several interactive diagrams of our solar system along with a variety of games, quizzes, information, history, and an electronic dictionary.
www.worldalmanacforkids.com/explore/space.html
Yahoo! Kids
This site has incredible videos, fun jokes, awesome pictures, and a place to find the answers to many of your questions about space.
http://kids.yahoo.com/science
Appendix C
Puzzle Answers
Chapter 1
Going Backwards?
How Big Is Big?
One in a Billion
Sweet Scientists
Chapter 2
Around and Around We Go
Ribbons of Light
Free Vacation
Chapter 3
Go to Jail
>
Patience Please!
You Are Here
Chapter 4
Always Changing
Crazy Moon
How Many Moons?
Chapter 5
Go Mercury!
Mystery on Mars
Deathly Dry
Chapter 6
The Big Bucket
Long Journey
Poor Pluto!
How many astronomers does it take to change a lightbulb?
Chapter 7
Name That Nebula
1. Horsehead
2. Boomerang
3. Fish on a Platter
4. Duck
5. Thumbprint
6. Apple Core
8. Cat's Eye
9. Ghosthead
Oops!
First you must turn the book a quarter turn counterclockwise. Then hold the book so that the bottom edge of the puzzle is close to your eye, and the top edge is titled away from your eye. Squint one eye closed, and look down the length of the puzzle. Tilt the book up and down a little until all of a sudden you get the perfect angle, and you can read the answer!
Confusing Comets
Chapter 8
Picture in the Sky
Twin Stars
Across the Sky
Found out in Space
Chapter 9
Collect Call
Silly Science Fiction
Hello UFOs!
