learning about the planets

[Jenny]

This summer ds1 wants to learn about the planets. He's in PS, but we do homeschooling activities during the summer. :yes Any ideas on where to get some good info about the planets and solar system for an almost 7 yr old? :grin

[doubleblessings]

This site lets you calculate the relative size and distances from the sun of the planets. I remember a science teacher in school showing us with balls the different sizes and it was a neat lesson.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/

[me]

I love doing the solar system by making paper mache planets. This way, as they are making the size and painting them it helps engraine the info, plus you can hang it somewhere in the correct order, like over their bed where they can stare up and ponder the planets and their relationship to another.
All you would need is balloons, newspaper, glue, water, kids paint.
Here's the info you could brush up on so the model is accurate. :)
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/search.php?terms=solar+system

[kiloyd]

thanks for posting this. I may do this with my ds.

[domesticzookeeper]

I'll have to remember to come back to this. We pieced together our own astronomy course this year and I remember finding a LOT of resources online for younger kids :)

[MomtoJGJ]

We are doing the solar system right now... this is where I got our stuff... DD1 is 6.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/

[Garland]

The book Exploring Creation Through Astronomy is an excellent book.

[me]

We are doing the solar system right now... this is where I got our stuff... DD1 is 6.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
that site looks really fun. i just added it to our homeschool folder :rockon