Hey there, fellow stargazers and celestial enthusiasts! There’s something truly enchanting about the glow of the moon and its ever-changing phases, isn’t there? If you’re ready to embark on a celestial adventure with your family and unlock the secrets of Earth’s closest neighbor, then you’re in for a treat today!
In this busy, technology-driven world, it’s easy to forget about the simple joys of observing the natural wonders around us. Take a look at my new free printable Moon Observation Journal – a beautifully designed resource that will turn your family stargazing nights into magical, educational experiences!
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomy enthusiast or just a curious parent looking for a fun family activity, this journal is your ticket to an exciting journey of moon exploration that will nurture your kids’ curiosity about the cosmos.
The printable Moon Observation Journal includes a chart to record your family’s moon observations and track the different phases. There is also an informational page that describes each moon phase – one page from the perspective of the northern hemisphere, and another for the southern hemisphere. This means you and your kids will not only have a blast making observations, but you’ll also learn some fun new facts! So, whether you’re planning a cozy backyard stargazing night, a weekend camping adventure under the stars, or even a unique homeschooling activity, our Moon Observation Journal is the perfect companion. I first started a moon journal with my not-so-little one when he was a toddler and it has provided a lot of fun memories over the years as well as instilled a love of science. I hope it does the same for you!
Moon and Star Gazing Tools
There are lots of apps and tools to help you teach your little ones about astronomy, or learn for yourself!
SkyView Lite – App Store, Google Play – This app is so easy to use – just aim your phone at a section of the sky and it will show you and identify constellations, planets, and even satellites! The free version has plenty of features too.
Star Finder Map – If you’d like an analog option, these star finder maps are great! Just make sure you select the correct map for your location or the location you’ll be viewing from.
If you want a close look, this Gskyer telescope is a great beginner’s telescope that won’t break the bank. It even has an adapter so you can take photos with your phone! I also have a tutorial here for making a solar filter so you can view and photograph the sun!
Recommended Reading
Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations is a highly visual guide to observing the sky with the naked eye, kids aged 9–14 will delve into the science behind what they see.
Once in a Full Moon is great to read to toddlers and up, as it tells the stories of the names of each of the full moons throughout the year.
For your middle school to early high school students, The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales takes a deeper dive into the science behind what they see in the sky!
The moon observation journal printable is in PDF format and sized for 8.5″ x 11″ prints. It includes:
- a moon observation chart
- a lesson on the moon phases and their definitions and positions in space
- a fun quiz to test your knowledge
- versions of all pages for both northern and southern hemisphere moon viewing
Leave a Comment