What a wonderful sky!
To introduce the children to the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and to encourage their interest in the sky at night.
by Rebecca Parkinson
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To introduce the children to the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and to encourage their interest in the sky at night
Preparation and materials
-
Video clip of the sky in motion (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap081231.html or http://www.allthesky.com/movies/index.html).
- Clip of the night sky (http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/tonights_sky/show.php?month=february&year=2006).
- The website www.astronomy2009.co.uk has information about all the events planned for the year. There are a number of activities for schools and individuals to become involved with.
- You will need the lyrics for 'My God is so big', which can be found at www.stickykids.co.uk/lyric/199-My_God_is_So_Big.aspx. This song is excellent for younger children.
Assembly
- Show the children the clip from NASA. This is a beautiful, music-backed, time-lapsed, four-minute footage showing the sky in motion.
- Ask the children if they have ever stood outside at night in a place where it is very dark. Ask them to describe what it was like to look up at the night sky.
If possible shut the blinds and put out the lights. Ask the children why it is that, once their eyes adjust to the light, they can still see things in the hall/classroom. Explain to the children that so often today it is hard to appreciate how amazing the night sky is because of all the lights that we are surrounded by. Ask them to name some of them: street lamps, car headlights, house lights. - Show the children the clip of the night sky. Ask them if they have seen any of the constellations named in the clips.
- Ask the children how many stars they think there are in the sky. Astronomers say that the true answer to that question is that no one knows. There are just too many stars to ever be able to count them.
Explain that this year is a special year for people who study the stars – astronomers. This year is the International Year of Astronomy. You may like to introduce the children to the website: www.astronomy2009.co.uk.
Time for reflection
Reflection
Think about the night sky. Make a decision to take the time to gaze up at the sky at different points through this year. Remind yourself again that we live in a beautiful world.
(You may like to use the NASA clip to help the children reflect on the beauty of the sky.)
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the beauty all around us
but particularly today for the beauty of the sky.
Thank you for the sun that keeps us warm, gives us light and allows us to live.
Thank you for the moon that gives us light at night.
And thank you for the stars that fill the night sky with beauty and wonder.
Amen.
Song/music
‘For the beauty of the earth’ (Come and Praise, 11)
‘My God is so big’
