4-H Astronomy Resources

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4H Astronomy Projects that We Know Of

• Palomares 4H Astronomy
  This is our group, which offers an astronomy project open to any 4H club members in Alameda County, CA.
• There is a Sauk County, Wisconsin 4H Astronomy Project, Wisconsin, initiated in 2003 by Jeff Vogtschaller

• The Dublin 4H Club in California supports an astronomy project developed by Richard Prizznick

National 4H Resources

• Astronomy It's Out of This World
  Grades 4-9
  Published by Cornell University
  Cost is $9.50. Available through the National 4H website.

  Developed by Cornell University, this is a resource kit that provides youth the opportunity to explore and learn about the basics of astronomy. Written at an introductory level, ample information is provided so the leader does not need to be an expert in the field of astronomy. This encourages the leaders and members to learn about astronomy together. This kit could form the basis for initiating a 4H Astronomy Project.

Supporting Materials

• The BEST Astronomy Activities Collection
  For those groups who want to do a collection of hands-on, inquiry-based astronomy activities, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific has developed such as collection. In their words: "The Universe at Your Fingertips," edited by Andrew Fraknoi, et al, is the essential astronomy notebook for anyone involved with science education at any level! This collection features 90 of the very best ready-to-use, hands-on activities for teaching many basic aspects of astronomy. Includes dozens of resource guides, helpful articles on student learning, and tips for creating an astronomy curriculum for any age group. Everyone who works with students or teachers in science should have this notebook on their shelf. In More Universe at Your Fingertips, edited by Andrew Fraknoi and Dennis Schatz, there are 25 new classroom-tested activities, a host of resource listings and teaching suggestions, plus a guide to reliable astronomy information and activities on the web. Activities include Measuring the Hubble Deep Field, Organizing the Galaxies, Sorting Saturn's Moons, Making and Mapping a Volcano, and many more!"

• Star Quest Fundanas
  The company Imports Unlimited Company Inc makes a unique product called Star Quest Fundanas, which are a glow in the dark star map bandana designed to teach kids (7-adult) to read the night sky in a fun, different way. The Star Quest Fundanas feature 33 of the most commonly known constellations, are washable, easy to carry, can be customized with a logo, great for star parties, has no loose pieces and is reusable. They are printed on a black, 100% cotton bandana designed by a woman who holds a M.S. in Science Education. The wholesale cost for a Fundana is $3.50. THe Palomares 4H kids really enjoyed these! Contact: Caryl Fox
  Imports Unlimited Company Inc/Fundanas
  www.importsunltd.com
  800-593-7076
  fax 978-524-0365

Our Favorite Astronomy Websites

• Our Favorite Astronomy Websites
  (This webpage was developed by one of our members some years ago. It's in need of update.)

• The Stanford SOLAR Center
  This site was developed for Stanford University and NASA by our project leader. It presents a collection of fun educational activities where educators and students can explore the Sun's tangled magnetic field, its turbulent surface motions, the dramatic sunspot cycle, and even what magic happens in the solar interior where instrumental eyes cannot penetrate. Besides information about the Sun, it includes solar folklore, solar art and music, and solar-related literature.

• Astronomy Summer Camp in northern Wisconsin