Astronomy Experiments for Kids and Adults

The Scientific Method

Why is the Scientific Method so important? It's important because it is the foundation of all science and scientific investigation. In fact, every great scientific discovery ever made started with the scientific Method as its foundation. A science experiment is really just one of the steps in this overall process.

The Research Process

The first step in this process is research. Research is just another word for collecting information and data. The information you collect can come from many different sources. It can be information gathered from your own experiences and observations. Or it can come from the knowledge and experiences of others.

The first research you do, you use to select a topic. Since this page is about Astronomy experiments for kids, you already know your topic is Astronomy. This type of research is called topic research. Here is a list of simple Astronomy experiments for kids to consider:

• You could make a sundial and explain how to tell time with it.
• Take a picture of star trails in the night sky.
• Explain the tilt of the earth and how that affects the seasons.
• Talk about the phases of the moon and what causes them.
• Make a homemade magnetometer and study the effect of solar storms on the earth's magnetic field.
• Make your own comet.
• Explain why stars twinkle.

After you pick your topic, the next step is to research your topic. When you research your topic, your aim is to find a question that needs answered.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is when you make an educated guess about your question. A hypothesis is based on the research you do. A hypothesis should be something that can be measured with experiments and data you collect.

Testing

You should test your hypothesis with an experiment to make sure it's true. Keep a journal. A journal will help you organize the data you collect. Make sure you record everything and you should also photogragh the steps you take when you test your hypothesis.

Analyze the data and make conclusions

At this point you analyze the data and look at your experiment results.

• Is your hypothesis true or false?
• What challenges did you have during your experiment?
• Are the results repeatable?

I have given you a quick overview of the scientific process, and we've looked at some ideas for Astronomy experiments for kids. If you're looking for more information about Astronomy experiments, or you have a science fair project to do, this book about science fair projects will take you step by step through the process, even if you don't know where to begin.

Also be sure to read Madeline Binder's excellent article to give you even more Astronomy science fair project ideas.

More resources for you

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Here are some Science Fair and Astronomy experiment websites I recommend:

Super Science Fair Projects offers a step-by-step guide to science fair projects for students - middle through high school. There are links to over 100,000 science projects, science experiments and science fair project ideas. Parents and Teacher's Guide and Resources.