DIY Constellation Jars Kids’ Activities: Explore Space! protects … · 2020. 9. 9. ·...
2
HOMESCHOOL CONNECTIONS An Educational Resource Tool Summer 2019 Space Exploration LOCATION KEY EA East Library (719) 531-6333, x7014 5550 N. Union Blvd. PE Penrose Library (719) 531-6333, x7015 20 N. Cascade Ave. LI Library 21c (719) 531-6333, x7012 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. CH Cheyenne Mountain Library (719) 531-6333, x7001 1785 S. 8 th St. CyberShelf cybershelf.ppld.org Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week FO Fountain Library (719) 531-6333, x7002 230 S. Main St. Fountain HI High Prairie Library (719) 531-6333, x7003 7035 Old Meridian Rd. Falcon MA Manitou Springs Library (719) 531-6333, x7004 701 Manitou Ave. Manitou Springs MO Monument Library (719) 531-6333, x7005 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr. Monument OL Old Colorado City Library (719) 531-6333, x7006 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave. PA Palmer Lake Library (719) 531-6333, x7007 66 Lower Glenway St. Palmer Lake RO Rockrimmon Library (719) 531-6333, x7008 832 Village Center Dr. RU Ruth Holley Library (719) 531-6333, x7009 685 N. Murray Blvd. SA Sand Creek Library (719) 531-6333, x7018 1821 S. Academy Blvd. UT Ute Pass Library (719) 531-6333, x7011 8010 Severy Rd., Cascade To contact PPLD’s Homeschool Committee, please email [email protected]. Space Exploration The 50 th anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 mission is this year! On July 20, 1969, Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landed on the Moon. Six hours later, on July 21, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on its surface. Now, in 2019, we are celebrating our past accomplishments in space as we strive to learn even more about the expanse beyond our planet. Currently, NASA is gearing up to head back to the Moon for another landing (albeit with robots, not humans) by partnering with private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, run by famous billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, respectively. Meanwhile, SpaceX and Blue Origin are preparing to head to Mars. SpaceX currently hopes to put humans on Mars by 2024. Are you more interested in finding alien life? NASA has you covered! According to the chief of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, “we’re well on our way” to discovering alien life forms on Mars, Jupiter’s moon Europa, or Saturn’s Titan moon. It’s not only an exciting time for space exploration, it’s also an exciting time to learn about space at your local library! This year’s summer reading theme, “A Universe of Stories,” is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the past and future of space exploration and to work with fabulous local organizations that provide space education. Take advantage of the Colorado Springs’ rich history of working in and studying space and visit one of these educational organizations, which also provide opportunities for homeschooled students: Challenger Center of Colorado 10215 Lexington Dr., Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920 w (719) 598-9755 w challenger.org (Moving to 8701 Wolf Valley Dr. in September 2019) The Challenger Center of Colorado has lots of resources available to you and your family. Plan a space mission with other homeschool families, learn more about STEM resources at a STEM boot camp for educators, or visit their inflatable planetarium. Space Foundation Discovery Center 4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80907 w (719) 576-8000 w discoverspace.org The Space Foundation Discovery Center features museum-quality space exhibits for you and your children to explore. They cater to homeschool families with events like Family Star Parties and Homeschool Days, along with online resources you and your family can use to round out your curriculum. National Space Science & Technology Institute 7150 Campus Dr., Suite 365 w Colorado Springs, CO, 80920 w nssti.org The National Space Science and Technology Institute is building an observatory on top of Pikes Peak, which they hope to have ready for the public by next year! In the meantime, visit their monthly observatory program (weather permitting). Email them at [email protected] for more information. Kids’ Activities: Explore Space! Visit NASA’s website (spaceplace.nasa. gov/menu/do/) to access directions for the activities featured below and more fun ideas! Sun Paper - Use shaving cream and food coloring to make marbled paper that looks like our sun. You can glue it onto black paper. Ultraviolet Light Handprint - See how sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light and create handprint art at the same time! Design a Moon Habitat - NASA is working on plans to send a group of astronauts to live on the moon. You can practice by engineering your own astronaut habitat using simple materials. Build a Physics Machine - Use materials you already have to build a device that demonstrates a basic law of nature. Create a Balloon-Powered Nanorover - Beginning with Styrofoam meat trays, create a nanorover to explore an outer space surface. Web Pick NASA has the go-to website (nasa.gov) for anyone looking to learn more about space! Browse for current information by topic. Check out the Image of the Day to see brand new photographs from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and historic photos. Hop over to NASA Kids’ Club (nasa.gov/kidsclub) to play games or visit the Space Place (spaceplace.nasa.gov) for an easy-to-navigate introduction to all things space. Scroll through student and educator resources and information. The NASA Knows section houses one-page articles, broken down by grade level, that explain science concepts, provide biographies, and answer fun questions, like: What is a space suit? What is supersonic flight? Who is Katherine Johnson? Any of these articles will take you down a rabbit hole of discovery! Finally, check out the affiliated website, Story Time from Space (storytimefromspace.com). What’s cooler than watching real astronauts in real space reading really great books? Here’s an example of Image of the Day: Finding an Elusive Star Behind a Supernova Located 65 million light-years away is a blue supergiant star that once existed inside a cluster of young stars in the spiral galaxy NGC 3938, as shown in this artist’s concept. Teen Booklist Space Fiction Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristof The Disasters by M. K. England Nonfiction Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson 523.01 TYSO Space Junk: The Dangers of polluting the Earth’s Orbit by Karen Romano Young 629.416 YOUN We Could Not Fail: The First African Americans in the Space Program by Richard Paul and Steven Moss 629.4092 PAUL Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, From Missiles to the Moon to Mars by Nathalia Holt 629.407207 HOLT Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance Biography 338.762922 MUSK VANC Teen Activity: DIY Constellation Jars Materials: Aluminum foil • Jar • LED stick-on (or other light) Pencil with sharp tip • Sharpie • Printed-out constellation Instructions: 1. Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is long enough to wrap around the inside of your jar. 2. Trace or draw a constellation onto the aluminum foil with sharpie. 3. Go over the sharpie with pencil to make pronounced lines in the foil, and poke holes through the foil with your pencil to indicate stars. 4. Put your LED light inside the jar. 5. Line the inner edge of your jar with the aluminum foil. 6. Turn on the LED and enjoy! Adapted from:craft.ideas2live4. com/2015/04/24/diy-constellation-jar-lamp/ Kids’ Books: Reach for the Stars J-Reader Mae Jemison by Laurie Caklhoven Buzz Aldrin by Kitson Jazynka J-Nonfiction Astronaut Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact by Jennifer Swanson 627.72 SWAN The Space Adventurer’s Guide by Peter McMahon 629.4 MCMA Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 629.4 RHUD Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond by Martin Jenkins 629.409 JENK Mission Control, This Is Apollo by Andrew Chaikin 629.454 C434MI Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (picture book) by Brian Floca 629.454 F628M Countdown: 2979 days to the Moon (told in free verse) by Suzanne Slade 629.454 SLAD TeamMoon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh 629.454 T443T J-Biography Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker 510.92 JOHN (picture book) Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly 510.92 SHET (picture book) One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong by Don Brown 629.450092 A737B (picture book) My Journey to the Stars by Scott Kelly 629.450092 KELL (picture book) Chasing Space by Leland Melvin 629.450092 MELV Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone 629.450092 S881A To the Stars! The First American Woman to Walk in Space by Carmella Van Vleet 629.450092 SULL VANV (picture book)
Transcript of DIY Constellation Jars Kids’ Activities: Explore Space! protects … · 2020. 9. 9. ·...
HOMESCHOOL CONNECTIONSAn Educational Resource Tool
Summer 2019
Sp
ace
Ex
plo
rati
on
LOCATION KEYEA East Library (719) 531-6333, x7014 5550 N. Union Blvd.PE Penrose Library (719) 531-6333, x7015 20 N. Cascade Ave.LI Library 21c (719) 531-6333, x7012 1175 Chapel Hills Dr.CH Cheyenne Mountain Library (719) 531-6333, x7001 1785 S. 8th St.CyberShelf cybershelf.ppld.org Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekFO Fountain Library (719) 531-6333, x7002 230 S. Main St. Fountain
HI High Prairie Library (719) 531-6333, x7003 7035 Old Meridian Rd. Falcon
MA Manitou Springs Library (719) 531-6333, x7004 701 Manitou Ave. Manitou Springs
MO Monument Library (719) 531-6333, x7005 1706 Lake Woodmoor Dr. Monument
OL Old Colorado City Library (719) 531-6333, x7006 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
PA Palmer Lake Library (719) 531-6333, x7007 66 Lower Glenway St. Palmer Lake
RO Rockrimmon Library (719) 531-6333, x7008 832 Village Center Dr.
RU Ruth Holley Library (719) 531-6333, x7009 685 N. Murray Blvd.
SA Sand Creek Library (719) 531-6333, x7018 1821 S. Academy Blvd.
UT Ute Pass Library (719) 531-6333, x7011 8010 Severy Rd., Cascade
To contact PPLD’s Homeschool Committee, please email [email protected].
Space ExplorationThe 50th anniversary of the successful Apollo 11 mission is this year! On July 20, 1969, Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landed on the Moon. Six hours later, on July 21, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step foot on its surface. Now, in 2019, we are celebrating our past accomplishments in space as we strive to learn even more about the expanse beyond our planet. Currently, NASA is gearing up to head back to the Moon for another landing (albeit with robots, not humans) by partnering with private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, run by famous billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, respectively. Meanwhile, SpaceX and Blue Origin are preparing to head to Mars. SpaceX currently hopes to put humans on Mars by 2024. Are you more interested in finding alien life? NASA has you covered! According to the chief of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, “we’re well on our way” to discovering alien life forms on Mars, Jupiter’s moon Europa, or Saturn’s Titan moon.It’s not only an exciting time for space exploration, it’s also an exciting time to learn about space at your local library! This year’s summer reading theme, “A Universe of Stories,” is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the past and future of space exploration and to work with fabulous local organizations that provide space education. Take advantage of the Colorado Springs’ rich history of working in and studying space and visit one of these educational organizations, which also provide opportunities for homeschooled students:
Challenger Center of Colorado10215 Lexington Dr., Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920 w (719) 598-9755 w challenger.org
(Moving to 8701 Wolf Valley Dr. in September 2019)
The Challenger Center of Colorado has lots of resources available to you and your family. Plan a space mission with other homeschool families, learn more about STEM resources at a STEM boot camp for educators, or visit their inflatable planetarium.
Space Foundation Discovery Center4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs, CO, 80907 w (719) 576-8000 w discoverspace.org
The Space Foundation Discovery Center features museum-quality space exhibits for you and your children to explore. They cater to homeschool families with events like Family Star Parties and Homeschool Days, along with online resources you and your family can use to round out your curriculum.
National Space Science & Technology Institute7150 Campus Dr., Suite 365 w Colorado Springs, CO, 80920 w nssti.org
The National Space Science and Technology Institute is building an observatory on top of Pikes Peak, which they hope to have ready for the public by next year! In the meantime, visit their monthly observatory program (weather permitting). Email them at [email protected] for more information.
Kid
s’ A
ctiv
itie
s: E
xplo
re S
pace
!Vi
sit N
ASA’
s w
ebsi
te (s
pace
plac
e.na
sa.
gov/
men
u/do
/) to
acc
ess
dire
ctio
ns fo
r th
e ac
tiviti
es fe
atur
ed b
elow
and
mor
e fu
n id
eas!
Sun
Pap
er -
Use
sha
ving
crea
m a
nd
food
col
orin
g to
mak
e m
arbl
ed p
aper
th
at lo
oks
like
our
sun.
You
can
glu
e it
onto
bla
ck p
aper
. U
ltra
viol
et L
ight
Han
dpri
nt -
See
how
sun
scre
en
prot
ects
you
r sk
in f
rom
the
har
mfu
l effe
cts
of u
ltrav
iole
t lig
ht a
nd c
reat
e ha
ndpr
int a
rt at
the
sam
e tim
e!D
esig
n a
Moo
n H
abit
at -
NAS
A is
wor
king
on
plan
s to
sen
d a
grou
p of
ast
rona
uts
to liv
e on
the
moo
n. Y
ou c
an
prac
tice
by e
ngin
eerin
g yo
ur o
wn
astro
naut
hab
itat u
sing
si
mpl
e m
ater
ials
.B
uild
a P
hysi
cs M
achi
ne -
Use
mat
eria
ls yo
u al
read
y ha
ve to
bui
ld a
dev
ice th
at d
emon
stra
tes a
bas
ic la
w o
f nat
ure.
C
reat
e a
Bal
loon
-Pow
ered
Nan
orov
er -
Begi
nnin
g w
ith S
tyro
foam
mea
t tra
ys, c
reat
e a
nano
rove
r to
expl
ore
an o
uter
spa
ce s
urfa
ce.
Web
Pic
kN
AS
A h
as t
he g
o-to
web
site
(n
asa.
gov)
for
any
one
look
ing
to l
earn
mor
e ab
out
spac
e!
Bro
wse
for
cur
rent
inf
orm
atio
n by
top
ic.
Che
ck o
ut t
he I
mag
e of
the
Day
to
see
bran
d ne
w
phot
ogra
phs
from
NAS
A’s
Hub
ble
Spa
ce T
eles
cope
and
his
toric
ph
otos
. H
op o
ver
to N
ASA
Kids
’ C
lub
(nas
a.go
v/ki
dscl
ub)
to p
lay
gam
es o
r vi
sit
the
Spac
e Pl
ace
(spa
cepl
ace.
nasa
.gov
) fo
r an
ea
sy-to
-nav
igat
e in
trodu
ctio
n to
al
l thi
ngs
spac
e. S
crol
l thr
ough
st
uden
t an
d ed
ucat
or r
esou
rces
an
d in
form
atio
n. T
he N
ASA
Know
s se
ctio
n ho
uses
one
-pag
e ar
ticle
s,
brok
en d
own
by g
rade
lev
el,
that
exp
lain
sci
ence
con
cept
s,
prov
ide
biog
raph
ies,
and
ans
wer
fu
n qu
estio
ns,
like:
Wha
t is
a
spac
e su
it? W
hat
is s
uper
soni
c fli
ght?
Who
is K
athe
rine
John
son?
An
y of
thes
e ar
ticle
s w
ill ta
ke y
ou
dow
n a
rabb
it ho
le o
f di
scov
ery!
Fi
nally
, ch
eck
out
the
affil
iate
d w
ebsi
te,
Stor
y Ti
me
from
Spa
ce
(sto
ryti
mef
rom
spac
e.co
m).
W
hat’s
coo
ler
than
wat
chin
g re
al
astro
naut
s in
rea
l spa
ce r
eadi
ng
real
ly g
reat
boo
ks?
Her
e’s
an e
xam
ple
of I
mag
e of
th
e D
ay:
Find
ing
an E
lusi
ve S
tar B
ehin
d a
Supe
rnov
aLo
cate
d 65
milli
on lig
ht-y
ears
aw
ay
is a
blu
e su
perg
iant
sta
r tha
t onc
e ex
iste
d in
side
a c
lust
er o
f you
ng
star
s in
the
spi
ral
gala
xy N
GC
39
38,
as s
how
n in
thi
s ar
tist’s
co
ncep
t.
Teen
Boo
klis
t S
pace
Fict
ion
Hea
rt o
f Iro
n by
Ash
ley
Post
onD
rago
n Pe
arl b
y Yo
on H
a Le
eEm
pres
s of
a T
hous
and
Skie
s by
Rho
da B
elle
zaIll
umin
ae b
y Am
ie K
aufm
an
and
Jay
Kris
tof
The
Dis
aste
rs
by M
. K. E
ngla
nd
Non
fiction
Ast
roph
ysic
s fo
r Peo
ple
in
a H
urry
by
Nei
l deG
rass
e Ty
son
52
3.01
TYS
O
Spac
e Ju
nk: T
he D
ange
rs o
f po
llutin
g th
e Ea
rth’
s O
rbit
by
Kar
en R
oman
o Yo
ung
629.
416
YOU
NW
e C
ould
Not
Fai
l: Th
e Fi
rst
Afr
ican
Am
eric
ans
in th
e Sp
ace
Prog
ram
by
Ric
hard
Pau
l and
Ste
ven
Mos
s 62
9.40
92 P
AUL
Ris
e of
the
Roc
ket G
irls:
Th
e W
omen
Who
Pro
pelle
d U
s, F
rom
Mis
sile
s to
the
Moo
n to
Mar
s
by N
atha
lia H
olt
629.
4072
07 H
OLT
Elon
Mus
k: T
esla
, Spa
ceX,
an
d th
e Q
uest
for a
Fan
tast
ic
Futu
re
by A
shle
e Va
nce
Biog
raph
y 33
8.76
2922
MU
SK V
ANC
Teen
Act
ivit
y: D
IY C
onst
ella
tion
Jar
sM
ater
ials
:Al
umin
um fo
il • J
ar •
LED
stic
k-on
(or o
ther
ligh
t)Pe
ncil
with
sha
rp ti
p • S
harp
ie •
Prin
ted-
out c
onst
ella
tion
Inst
ruct
ions
:1.
Cut
a p
iece
of a
lum
inum
foil t
hat i
s lo
ng e
noug
h to
wra
p ar
ound
the
insi
de o
f you
r jar
.2.
Tra
ce o
r dr
aw a
con
stel
latio
n on
to th
e al
umin
um fo
il w
ith s
harp
ie.
3. G
o ov
er th
e sh
arpi
e w
ith p
enci
l to
mak
e pr
onou
nced
lin
es in
the
foil,
and
pok
e ho
les
thro
ugh
the
foil w
ith y
our
penc
il to
indi
cate
sta
rs.
4. P
ut y
our L
ED li
ght i
nsid
e th
e ja
r. 5.
Lin
e th
e in
ner e
dge
of y
our j
ar w
ith th
e al
umin
um fo
il.
6. T
urn
on th
e LE
D a
nd e
njoy
!
Adap
ted
from
:cra
ft.id
eas2
live4
. co
m/2
015/
04/2
4/di
y-co
nste
llatio
n-ja
r-lam
p/
Kid
s’ B
ooks
: Rea
ch f
or t
he S
tars
J-R
eade
rM
ae J
emis
on
by L
aurie
Cak
lhov
enB
uzz
Ald
rin
by K
itson
Jaz
ynka
J-Non
fiction
Ast
rona
ut A
quan
aut:
How
Spa
ce S
cien
ce a
nd
Sea
Scie
nce
Inte
ract
by
Jen
nife
r Sw
anso
n
627.
72 S
WAN
The
Spac
e
Adv
entu
rer’s
Gui
de
by P
eter
McM
ahon
62
9.4
MC
MA
Abo
ve a
nd B
eyon
d:
NA
SA’s
Jou
rney
to
Tom
orro
w
by O
lugb
emis
ola
Rhu
day-
Perk
ovic
h 62
9.4
RH
UD
Expl
orin
g Sp
ace:
Fr
om G
alile
o to
the
M
ars
Rov
er a
nd B
eyon
d by
Mar
tin J
enki
ns
629.
409
JEN
KM
issi
on C
ontr
ol,
This
Is A
pollo
by
And
rew
Cha
ikin
62
9.45
4 C
434M
IM
oons
hot:
The
Flig
ht o
f A
pollo
11
(pic
ture
boo
k)
by B
rian
Floc
a
629.
454
F628
MC
ount
dow
n: 2
979
days
to
the
Moo
n
(told
in fr
ee v
erse
) by
Suz
anne
Sla
de
629.
454
SLAD
Team
Moo
n: H
ow
400,
000
Peop
le L
ande
d A
pollo
11
on
the
Moo
n
by C
athe
rine
Thim
mes
h
629.
454
T443
T
J-B
iogr
aphy
Cou
ntin
g on
Kat
herin
e: H
ow
Kat
herin
e Jo
hnso
n Sa
ved
Apo
llo 1
3
by H
elai
ne B
ecke
r 51
0.92
JO
HN
(pic
ture
boo
k)
Hid
den
Figu
res:
The
Tru
e St
ory
of F
our B
lack
Wom
en
and
the
Spac
e R
ace
by
Mar
got L
ee S
hette
rly
510.
92 S
HET
(pic
ture
boo
k)
One
Gia
nt L
eap:
The
Sto
ry
of N
eil A
rmst
rong
by
Don
Bro
wn
62
9.45
0092
A73
7B
(pic
ture
boo
k)
My
Jour
ney
to th
e St
ars
by
Sco
tt Ke
lly 6
29.4
5009
2 KE
LL (p
ictu
re b
ook)
Cha
sing
Spa
ce
by L
elan
d M
elvi
n
629.
4500
92 M
ELV
Alm
ost A
stro
naut
s:
13 W
omen
Who
Dar
ed
to D
ream
by
Tan
ya L
ee S
tone
62
9.45
0092
S88
1A
To th
e St
ars!
The
Firs
t A
mer
ican
Wom
an to
Wal
k in
Spa
ce
by C
arm
ella
Van
Vle
et
629.
4500
92 S
ULL
VAN
V (p
ictu
re b
ook)
Pikes Peak Library District Homeschool Connections w Summer 2019
Lit
tle
-Kn
own
Se
cre
ts
Picture Books (Ages 5 and Up)
Life on Mars by Jon Agee (2017)A daring young astronaut travels to Mars with cupcakes to share, but cannot find anyone there. However, readers see the Martian creature. The illustrations provide many opportunities to talk about what is happening, and kids will be laughing as they turn the pages. (J-Easy)
The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers (2007) After becoming stranded on the moon, a boy and a Martian cooperate so they can both make it back home. This story exudes examples of kindness towards those not like us. (J-Easy)
Moon over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston (2008) July 20, 1969. Man’s first day on the moon, as seen from the perspective of a little girl and her family. Historical fiction (J-Easy)
Graphic Novels and More Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brown (2019)A vivid history of the moon landing, and the newest book on this list. Don Brown is one of the best non-fiction writers in kid’s books. Look for his other titles as well! Ages 8 - 12. (J-629.454 BROW)
Rockets: Defying Gravity by Anne and Jerzy Drozd (2018)
This is thick and heavy science, but in a comic book form, so it goes down easier. Record this in your child’s school journal. Look for more titles in the Science Comics series! (J-621.4356 DROZ)
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (2010)This kid’s graphic novel series is full of imagination. Three volumes have been published. Ages 8 - 12. (J-741.5973 ZITASPAC HATK)
T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani (2009)
This vintage-feel work of historical fiction is illustrated in black and white, making it feel true to the time period, beginning in 1957. Ages 8 - 12. (J-741.5973 TMINUSRA OTTA)
Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon by Torben Kuhlmann (2016) Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively told, this art-book-meets-graphic-novel tells the story of a small mouse and a gigantic adventure. At 128 pages, it might take some time to read. Look for Kuhlmann’s other similarly imaginative books.
Ages 7 - adult. (J-Fiction)
The Totally Spaced-Out Bookshelf
Family Star Gazing Backpacks
Does your family love to linger outdoors in the warm weather? Why not extend the fun - and the learning - into the evening hours by launching an exploration of the night sky? Everything you need to begin your journey is available in PPLD’s new Family Star Gazing Backpacks. Created by the Space Foundation Discovery Center, each backpack contains an information booklet highlighting local spots for star gazing, star and moon charts, a pair of binoculars, and a copy of National Geographic’s Night Sky, a fun-to-browse book packed with photos and fascinating facts. A red light attached to the zipper helps you to view the print materials without interfering with your night vision. Also included is a family pass for free admission to the Space Foundation Discovery Center (4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs), the perfect place to extend your astronomy investigations. Visit the Discovery Center website (discoverspace.org) for a current listing of exhibits, events, and programming geared toward homeschoolers.
Ask for the backpacks at the check-out area of any PPLD location, or go to the catalog at ppld.org to place a hold (search under “Family Star Gazing Backpacks”). The backpacks can be used to complete some of the activities for our Summer Adventure program, which is themed “A Universe of Stories.” Check one out, get outside, and see what you can discover!
Teen FictionOne of the Teen Summer Adventure challenges is to “read” a book in a different format. Try the Overdrive/Libby app and listen to one of the titles listed below. All have excellent audio versions. (Not all Robert Heinlein books are appropriate for teens. Google “Heinlein Juveniles” for more options.)
Libby app iconCitizen of the Galaxy CD book; Overdrive/Libby (1957)Rocketship Galileo Overdrive /Libby audio (1947) Rolling Stones CD book; Overdrive/Libby audio (1952) Have Space Suit, Will Travel CD book; Overdrive/Libby audio (1958)
Visit the Educational Resource Center and discover various models that will help your children visualize parts of outer space. Featuring the sun and eight planets, our Solar System Simulator model will give your children an understanding of sizes, distances, colors, and orbital speeds. They’ll also discover which planets are visible at any given time and why some planets can only be seen at certain times of year. An informative guide with accessible astronomical information is included.The Solar System and the Stars model can be used to explore the phenomenon of seasons, lunar eclipses, and phases of the Moon. A star chart maps out and names the constellations. The colorful, illustrated guide gives a clear understanding of the concepts presented.The Orbiter model demonstrates basic Earth and Moon motions and explains the causes of day and night, seasons, and phases of the Moon. The guide offers 10 basic investigations with the orbiter, including “Why does the sun rise in the east and set in the west?” and “Why are there tides?” It also provides further inspiration for other challenging projects.If you’re interested in some hands-on learning when it comes to space, stop by the ERC on the second floor of East Library to explore these models! Visit ppld.org/erc for hours and more info.
SPACE EXPLORATION IN THE ERC
TeensColorado Springs Astronomical Society
Learn about astronomy with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society! Topics vary by location. See online calendar for details.
Murder Mystery MasqueradeWill you be able to solve the murder? Or did you commit it? Play a role in this murder mystery extravaganza! Ages 12 - 18.Mon., June 3 w 3 - 5 p.m. w MASat., July 13 w 3 - 5 p.m. w EA (registration required)Thu., Aug. 22 w 6 - 8 p.m. w LI (registration required)
Marbelous MachinesEnter a world where marbles power kinetic machines, act as electrons moving through physical logic, and combine to create calculations and games unlike any you've seen before. You'll learn a 'bit' about binary numbers and have plenty of hands-on fun! Presented by STEMPunk Ed. Ages 9 - 15. Registration required.Sat., June 1 w 2 - 4 p.m. w LISat., June 29 w 2 - 4 p.m. w MO
Coding CampIn this eight-session program, kids will learn computational thinking concepts, design their own stories, create and share their animations, and learn how technology is used in the film and media industry! Participants need to be able to attend six of the eight sessions. Registering for the first session automatically registers you for all eight sessions. Ages 9 - 15. Programs at HI, LI, and EA. See online calendar for details.
Paint a Sci-Fi LandscapePaint a sci-fi landscape that's out of this world! Instructor Deb Ross will teach you watercolor skills while you create paintings of other planets. Ages 12 - 18. Registration required.Tue., June 18 w 4 - 5:30 p.m. w ROThu., June 20 w 4:30 - 6 p.m. w EAThu., July 18 w 2 - 4 p.m. w MOWed., July 24 w 3 - 5 p.m. w HI
Homeschool EventsHomeschool
Curriculum Give & Take Thu., June 27 w 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. w East Library
Revitalize your family’s learning resources or start your homeschool library at our annual Curriculum Give & Take! You can bring gently used curriculum items, educational games, books, and more to give away at this event while discovering resources that other families are ready to part with. No money will be exchanged. Contact Joy at [email protected] or (719) 531-6333, x6048 if you plan on bringing items to give away so that we can have a table ready for you. If you’re looking for materials but not looking to give anything away, just drop in during the hour to see what treasures you can find.
Homeschool Resource FairFri., Aug. 16 w 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. w Library 21c
Come visit with representatives from local organizations offering educational and extracurricular opportunities, and learn about how they can help you educate your children. Exhibitors will include enrichment programs, arts and music offerings, sports programs, field trip destinations, support groups, and more. We hope to see you there!
Homeschool Game DayFri., Aug. 23 w 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. w East Library
Come and play outdoors in the park behind East Library with other homeschool families at our annual Game Day. We’ll provide balls, jump ropes, chalk, bubbles, and ideas for some fun games. All ages are welcome. In case of bad weather, the event will be cancelled. Questions? Contact Joy at [email protected] or (719) 531-6333, x6048. Come and have some fun!
Summer Adventure 2019June 1 - July 31 w Ages 0 - 18
Have an adventure with Pikes Peak Library District this summer! Kids and teens can win prizes through reading and activities. We will be hosting many free, fun events! Starting Sat., June 1, register and enroll at ppld.beanstack.org. Go to ppld.org/summer-adventure to learn more.
