People have been studying the stars since early civilizations first tried to describe the stars through the patterns they drew from stories they told one another. In the 4-H Astronomy Project, youth will discover constellations, find the wonder in observing space, and learn how scientists observe the solar system, galaxies, and the wider universe.
Objectives
Youth will:
- Discover the wonder of the stars, galaxies, planets, and other features in space and how they have been understood throughout history
- Learn about the satellites and telescopes that have been sent to observe space
- Learn how to observe constellations, planets, and the night sky
4-H Astronomy Curriculum
Available through the Extension office or online.
None available at this time.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
Coming soon!
For adult helpers and club leaders
Coming soon!
Helpful Links
Activity Ideas
Astronomy: It’s Out of This World – Cornell Cooperative Extension (PDF)
Astronomy Activity Guide – 4-H Canada, Saskatchewan (PDF)
Project Idea Starter: Astronomy – Ohio 4-H (PDF)
You may think the only way to really get involved in amateur astronomy is with a large telescope, years of experience, and lots of friends to keep you company at night. Although this may be true of an experienced amateur astronomer, most of
them began just like yourself. All it takes is enthusiasm, curiosity and the patience of a willing adult to help you study the night sky.
Discover 4-H Astronomy Clubs – Utah 4-H (PDF)
Mini 4-H Space – Indiana 4-H (PDF)
Astronomy Pre-Post Trip Activities – Georgia 4-H (PDF)
Exploring 4-H at Home: Keep a Sky Journal – 4-H Canada, Saskatchewan (PDF)
Digital Learning: Explore our Solar System – The Wild Center (video)
Explore the solar system up close with a hands-on activity and technology integration with NOAA’s Science on a Sphere. Create your own pocket solar system, to understand its incredible scale.
Washington Specific Reference Material
Yakima County 4-H Aerospace & Rocketry Project
Other Reference Material
From 4-H Programs
4-H Journeys in Astronomy Issue 4 – Georgia 4-h (PDF)
4-H History Preservation Project: Astronauts, Space and 4-H
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
Discover the wonder, beauty, and mystery of our incredible Universe!
DarkSky International restores the nighttime environment and protects communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation.
The Franklin Institute–Franklin@Home: Space
Welcome to your virtual classroom for Space! Physicist William Bragg once said, “Light brings us the news of the universe.” How does light work? What does it tell us about space? How do we explore our solar system—and beyond—from here on Earth?
Earth and Space Science – PBS Learning Media
Browse Earth and Space Science videos, interactive activities, teaching materials, and more! Find fun and engaging curriculum-aligned content on topics such as the history and foundation of the universe, the prediction of hurricanes and other types of weather, and the categorization of rocks and minerals.
Introduction to Astronomy: Crash Course Astronomy #1 (YouTube video)
Welcome to the first episode of Crash Course Astronomy. Your host for this intergalactic adventure is the Bad Astronomer himself, Phil Plait. We begin with answering a question: “What is astronomy?”
Crash Course Astronomy is produced in conjunction with PBS Digital Studios.
The full Crash Course Astronomy YouTube playlist is available here. It consists of 46 videos on a variety of astronomy topics.
- NASA Webstes and Reference Material
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NASA provides a safe place for children to play games as they learn about NASA and its missions. NASA encourages you to visit NASA Kids’ Club and use its games and activities to inspire the next generation. On this site, you will find games of various skill levels for children pre-K through grade 4. These games support national education standards in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The website for Hubble Space Telescope news and discoveries.
Astronomy Picture of the Day – NASA
International Space Station – NASA
The station was designed between 1984 and 1993. Elements of the station were in construction throughout the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe beginning in the late 1980s.
The International Space Station Program brings together international flight crews, multiple launch vehicles, globally distributed launch and flight operations, training, engineering, and development facilities, communications networks, and the international scientific research community.
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
Galactic Quest Stellar Optics Telescope
The Stellar Optics telescope kit that is included in the Galactic Quest STEM family and educator kits can now be purchased separately. With this kit youth will build a telescope and learn about physics and light and how telescopes have been used to explore space.
Galactic Quest 4-H STEM Challenge
This year, National 4-H Council has partnered with Clemson University Cooperative Extension, the United States Space Force, Bayer, and Facebook to create STEM activities that are fun and accessible to young people everywhere.
The 2021 Challenge theme of space exploration takes youth on an out-of-this world adventure and makes connections to the 4-H pillars—STEM, civic engagement, healthy living, and agriculture. The challenge activities allow youth to develop inquiry, observational, and problem-solving skills while they make discoveries and develop their STEM identities.
Galactic Quest is ideal for youth ages 8 to 14 years to spark an interest in STEM and inspire real-world actions. For families wanting to engage with the activities right away or youth working on their own, the Youth Guide can be used as a Quick Start Guide to the challenge.
Various cultures throughout the world have been using astronomy for thousands of years. Studying star maps and charts from ancient societies helps us discover how they lived, what they believed, and how they perceived themselves and their place in the world around them.
In this activity, you will learn about the role of astronomy in different cultures throughout history. You will also design their own constellations. This activity requires access to an outdoor space. Requires a free Clover account to access lesson plans.