Nature Net News
Your source for nature tips
& tricks for exploring nature with your kids
August 2009
The
Sun
"Living on Earth may be expensive,
but it includes an annual free trip around the Sun."
-Anonymous
Dear Reader, This year is the 400th anniversary of the birth of modern astronomy-- when Galileo first peeped through his telescope. We've come a long way since then, but the skies still hold their marvel. I distinctly remember my first solar eclipse--my brother and I stood on our suburban sidewalks with specially-prepared cardboard boxes on our heads. We watched in amazement as the image projected on the inside of the box slowly tracked the sun and moon's progression. It was one of my first insights into the magnitude of our solar system. While the next solar eclipse is not predicted until July of next year, there's plenty to celebrate and learn about the sun. Take a look through this month's Nature Net News for facts, tips and ideas to celebrate our local star! Enjoy! Kathe & Sarah |
NASA's Favorite Facts About the Sun
The sun provides us with energy, which brings life on our planet. It defines the seasons, the harvests, and even the sleep patterns of all living creatures on Earth.
The sun’s average surface temperature is 5700 C. Compare that to the Earth’s average temperature, which is 20 C.
The sun is 150 million km (93 million miles) away from the Earth.
The sun is 4.5 billion years old.
The sun rotates on its axis approximately once every 26 days. The sun is made of gas, which is why its different parts rotate at different speeds. The fastest rotation is around the equator and the slowest rotation is at the sun’s polar regions (more than 30 days).
What to Do This Month:
Go out and enjoy the sun!
Tune into Astronomy Cast #30 (The Sun, Spots and All) or Astronomy Cast #108 (The Life of the Sun) for an interesting and factual podcast about the sun!
Looking at the sun can damage your eyes, so instead of staring at that glowing orb of gasses, take a look here for fascinating pictures of the sun!
And, when the sun isn't shining, watch for the Perseids meteor showers in the North East sky on August 12! Click here for more information.
Check out the International Year of Astronomy 2009 site. It contains links to various activities and sites about the sun and the solar system.
Tricks of the Trail for Parents:
Sun Fun!
Don't forget sun protection with hats and loose clothing! While too much sun can be damaging for your skin, sunlight contains Vitamin D--an element vital for human survival! Vitamin Dз is produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight and is extremely important for helping you absorb food! If you can't get more sunlight, try eating seafood, like sardines or herring.
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Our Nearest Star
Have you ever wanted to see a star in daylight? It's nothing special, you do so every day! That's right, the sun is actually a star named Sol! The sun is the closest star to our planet. Imagine two cars on the road during the night with their headlights on. One car is closer to you and the other one is far away. Which headlights would seem brighter and bigger? That explains why we see the sun so big and bright. It is simply the nearest star to Earth.
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Madison Children's Museum
If you’re looking to spend quality time with your children, you’ve come to the right place!
The Madison Children's Museum offers a unique opportunity to have fun learning alongside your child, building memories that last a lifetime.
The Museum serves a primary audience of children between the ages of six
months and ten years and our interdisciplinary approach means the
learning is layered, with opportunities for children of all
developmental levels and plenty to delight and engage older children and
the young at heart. Their hands-on exhibits and programs are designed to inspire lifelong learning through play, celebrating children’s imaginations. Come on in and see why
they’re consistently rated a Madison favorite.
Edible suns are "sunny" in your tummy!
What you need: an English muffin or bagel, cream
cheese, yellow food coloring, small pretzel sticks,
2 raisins.
1. Take a small amount of cream cheese and put in a bowl with a couple drops of yellow food coloring. Mix until cream cheese is yellow, adding more food coloring if needed.
2. Spread cream cheese over half a bagel or English muffin. The bagel or English muffin can be toasted or untoasted depending on your preference.
3. Add raisins for eyes and break a pretzel into 3 pieces and arrange to make a smiling mouth.
4. Arrange pretzels around the outside for sunbeams.
5. Enjoy your culinary creation!
freekidcrafts.com)
Suggested Reading:
"Little Factory" by Sarah Weeks (preschool-4)
"The Sun is My Favorite Star" by Frank Asch (3-6)
"Done in the Sun: Solar Projects for Children" by Anne Hillerman (4-8)
"The Sun: Our Nearest Star" by Franklyn M. Branley (4-8)
"Solar Power" by Tea Benduhn (9-12)
"The Kids' Solar Energy Book
(even grown-ups can understand)" by Tilly Spetgang and Malcolm Wells (9-12)
Nature Net: The Environmental
Learning Network is a program of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, with
support from American Girl's Fund for Children.
