Ideas for Studying Saturn With Children

Planetariums

• Planetarium shows, presented in museums and science centers around the country, put kids in the center of the cosmos with stunning technology and special effects. Planetariums use special projectors and LED lighting to cast three-dimensional animation on a dome above viewers' heads. Combined with state-of-the-art sound technology, it creates an awe-inspiring, immersive experience. Children can see Saturn like never before while listening to astronomers talk about the planet and its unique features.

Dioramas

• Dioramas give kids the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge that they̵7;ve learned about Saturn -- or any other topic of study -- and reconstruct it in a three-dimensional artistic display. Inspire children to create a diorama scene featuring Saturn with everyday materials like a shoe box, construction paper, a foam ball, paint, invisible wire and other embellishments. Or, challenge children to imagine what the planet might look like up-close, and create its gassy environment in a diorama with colored plastic wrap and cotton to create the effect.

Homemade Books

• Saturn has many fascinating features for those studying the planet to explore. Perhaps your child is intrigued by Saturn̵7;s rings, or is mystified by its dozens of moons. After gathering general information about Saturn from books, videos or an Internet search, encourage your child to create a book of his own that contains his favorite statistics and facts. Provide him with construction paper punched with a three-hole-punch along the left side, where the pages will be bound. Encourage him to fill the pages with facts and illustrations. Decorate two pieces of thin cardboard, slightly larger than the pages, for the front and back cover. Punch holes in the covers and bind everything together with yarn, sting or ribbon.

Stargazing

• Few things are more inspiring and mesmerizing to a child than gazing up at the stars on a clear, dark night. Saturn can be seen at certain times of year with an amateur telescope. Encourage your child to behold the planet with his very own eyes, and to look for Saturn̵7;s rings, dark belts, bright spots and moons. Or, simply lay a blanket out in the backyard on a comfortable night and gaze up at the sky as the two of you discuss all of the fascinating things you̵7;ve learned about this captivating and enthralling celestial body.