Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)
Step 1Begin by talking to the child about stargazing. Ask questions like, ‘When do the stars come out?’ and ‘Why do you think stars only come out at night?’ Explain that stars are always in the sky but they can be difficult to see when there is light around (during the day or in areas where there are lots of house lights and streetlights on during the night). Explain to the child that this is why it’s best to observe the stars at night-time when there are no lights on.
Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)
Step 1This activity is best facilitated in a location where there is limited light pollution (artificial light). If you live in a city location, consider places you visit where you might be able to see the stars more clearly (e.g. in a local park or on a camping trip). Once you’ve selected an appropriate location, find a spot to stand that’s away from any streetlights and other strong light sources. Ask the child, ‘Can you see the stars in the sky?’ Encourage them to use words like ‘dull’ and ‘bright’ to describe how much light the stars are giving off.
Step 2Show the child how to turn on the torch and direct the beam towards the sky. Ask the child to notice how the light affects what they can see in the sky. Prompt them with questions like, ‘Can you still see the stars?’ and ‘Can you see more or fewer stars?’ Explain that this is similar to how streetlights and house lights can make it harder to see stars.
Step 3Next, turn off the torch and observe how the visibility of stars improves. Point out more stars that become visible once the artificial light is turned off. Encourage the child to look carefully and notice the difference. Explain to the child that being in a dark location helps us see the stars better. In places with more light – called light pollution – we see fewer stars.
Step 4If the torch has a red light setting, show the child how to turn this on. Ask the child if they notice how the stars are more visible with the red light than with white light. Explain to the child that different types of technology, like red lights, can also help us see the stars better.
Step 5 (Optional)Repeat the activity over multiple nights or in different locations, observing how light affects the appearance and number of stars in the sky. Continue to familiarise the child with language that can be used to describe the stars and night sky such as ‘clear’, ‘cloudy’, ‘dark’, ‘light’, ‘dull’ and ‘bright’. You may also like to discuss how cloud cover can affect the number of stars we can see.
Showcase
Make
Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.
Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.
Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.
Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.
Play
Set up simple hands-on experiments or demonstrations that promote repeated practice, discussion and ongoing investigation.
Encourage imaginative play using clothes, toys or props related to the concept and let them role-play scenarios that reinforce their understanding.
Create a sensory box filled with materials related to the topic and let them explore, touch, feel and manipulate the items freely.
Sing songs (known or made up) and encourage dancing or movement in ways that explore or mimic the concepts being explored.
Write
If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.
Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.
Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.
If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.
Plan
Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity. One idea is to create a drawing that represents the stars with and without artificial light. Another option is to explore stories about the stars and the night sky. You could also encourage the child to experiment with different light sources to compare how they affect the visibility of stars. These types of follow-up activities can reinforce their understanding of light pollution and its impact on stargazing.
Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.
If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.
If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.