KidZone Science
Real-World Connection: Observing the Sky
Sky Observation Diary
Activity Overview: Create a Sky Observation Diary to track how the sky changes throughout the day. This activity encourages children to observe the natural world and learn more about the science of the sky in a fun, interactive way.
Materials Needed:
- A notebook or sheets of paper to make the diary
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
- A watch or clock to note the time
Instructions:
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Choose Observation Times:
- Decide on three different times during the day to observe the sky: morning, noon, and evening. For example, you might choose 8 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
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Morning Observation:
- At your chosen morning time, go outside and look at the sky for a few minutes. What colors do you see? Are there any clouds? What is the overall mood of the sky?
- Draw what you see in your Sky Observation Diary. Use colors to fill in the sky and add any details like the sun, clouds, or even birds.
- Write the date and time below your drawing.
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Noon Observation:
- Repeat the observation process at noon. The sky might look different now. Is it a brighter blue? Are the clouds different?
- Draw the noon sky in your diary, and don't forget to note the time and any changes you observe from the morning.
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Evening Observation:
- Observe the sky again in the evening. This time, you might see more changes. Is the sky turning orange, pink, or purple? How does it compare to the morning and noon?
- Draw the evening sky in your diary. Capture the colors and mood of the sky as the day ends.
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Review Your Observations:
- At the end of the day, look at your three drawings. Talk about the changes you noticed in the sky from morning to evening. Why do you think these changes happen?
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Continue Your Diary:
- Keep this activity going for a week or more. You'll start to see patterns and maybe even some surprises in how the sky changes.
Discussion Points:
- Discuss why the sky looks different at various times of the day (hint: think about the position of the sun and how light scatters).
- Talk about how weather, seasons, and location can affect the sky's appearance.
- Reflect on how observing the sky can help us feel connected to the natural world.
This activity not only enhances understanding of atmospheric science concepts but also encourages creativity and mindfulness in observing the natural beauty of our world.