Fun with Dad.

Looking for something fun (& free) to do with Dad tonight? How about a little star-gazing? It's awfully hot to be outside during the day, but once the sun is down, if you're fortunate enough to have clear skies, you might want to see if you can identify some of the star constellations.

Before you go out, check out THIS VIDEO DESCRIBING WHAT YOU CAN SEE IN TONIGHT'S SKY.

You might want to print THIS SHORT GUIDE TO ASTRONOMY which includes some star charts and basic info to help you know what you're looking at. You can also visit THE BEGINNERS' GUIDE TO ASTRONOMY for more help and information. And then there's this one - ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS!.

The NASA SITE has star charts you can print, along with a game to play to challenge one another on finding specific constellations.

After your outdoor adventures, go on an "Outer Space" visual odyssey online - also courtesy of the HUBBLE SITE to view God's amazing universe.

This is a sneaky little way to work in a bit of homeschooling, but if you don't tell Dad or the kids, they'll never even know it. :) You can extend this into a full summer school unit for younger kids by registering at LEARNING PAGE (it's free) and creating a wall mural and notebook of outer space. (In the themes section. There's a LOT there. Just click on the "Space" tab and then be sure to check each of the links - "Fact Files", "Fun Sheets", "Murals", etc. for lots of free print-outs.) Older kids might enjoy the THINK QUEST ASTRONOMY page. (Be aware, this site and many others on outer space have a definite "Big Bang" bent.) And THIS SITE is meant for high school aged students, brought to you by NASA. Visit the teacher section for lesson plans and printables.

Last, but not least, your kids might enjoy BECOMING VIRTUAL ASTRONAUTS.

Have fun and Happy Father's Day!