Have a Super Celestial Saturday

What Will Your Family Find There?:  The Long Island Science Center is chock-a-block full of exciting and educational activities for children of ALL ages. But this Saturday, there's a special program entitled "The Night Sky."  Bring the whole family down to the center to learn how to locate stars, find and identify the constellations, and navigate your way through the night sky. Astronomy is lifelong hobby the whole family can enjoy - no matter where you are, or what the season, as long as the skies are clear, you can reach for the stars!  

When you're done with the scheduled program (you'll come away with a star finder that you've made and a glow-in-the-dark constellation, too,) you can visit the rest of the science center.

The kids will LOVE exploring the interactive displays of science in physics, biology, earth science and chemistry. There are two-way and trick mirrors, interactive marble ramps, tanks of live critters, a mural of Long Island's Pine Barrens and aquifer system, make-believe archeological digs, and lots more!!!  One of the most fun exhibits is the "levitating ball" demonstration of Bernoulli's principle.  Kids can turn on the blower and test different size and weight balls as they seem to defy gravity - floating on a stream of air - neither flying too high nor dropping to the ground.  Check out the short video attached for a sample of the blower's fun!

Will your child have to do a science fair project this year?  The Science Center is full of displays that may spark your child's interest in a potential topic - the staff is knowledgeable and willing to offer great advice, too!

Helpful Hints: 

• Call ahead for info about program time (208-8000.)
• Admission is $5.
• Proceeds from the small gift/souvenir shop support the centers' programs. Available merchandise is generally science/educationally based.
• The Science Center is handicapped-accessible.
• Group programs are available for birthday parties, scout troops, or classes.
• All programs support the NYS Math, Science and Technology Learning Standards.

Check out these great websites for some science based fun learning!

• This one has some great free games and lessons.
• The BBC has some terrific interactive sites. Click here for age 5-7 kids or here for kids age 7-11.  I use these two all the time for my students!
• The absolute best science fair helper EVER!

Here's a simple astronomy related craft your family can do.  Adults must help with this one!  You'll need just a few tools and materials:

• some clean, empty tin cans 
• duct tape or a file 
• a hammer and nail, awl, or punch
• a bright flashlight that fits in the open end of the can

Directions:

1. Remove one end of the can. If the edges are sharp, file them smooth or put duct tape over them. (Optional: Fill the can almost to the top with water and freeze it. This prevents the can from bending or collapsing when punching holes in it. Otherwise, just reshape the can if it bends.
2. Print out the PDF constellation pattern attached to the article. Tape one constellation to the closed end of the can. Tap holes in the can through the paper pattern.  Try to hit the nail with the same amount of force so the holes are similar sizes. Remove the paper.
3. Shine the flashlight through the open end of the can.  Project the pattern on the ceiling or wall of a darkened room.
4. Voila! Instant planetarium :-)

**Remind children that the punched holes are pointy and will hurt if they put their hands inside the can.

Stretch your Tee-rific Scien-tific memories:  Don't forget to stop at the Riverhead Public Library to pick up some great science based books to read together after you get home from the science center.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• The Everything Machine by Matt Novak
• Science Verse by Jon Scieszka
• Science Fair Bunnies by Kathryn Lasky
• Hedgie Blasts Off! by Jan Brett
• Grandaddy's Stars by Helen V. Griffith
• Find the Constellations by H.A. Rey