As homeschooling moms, we all know the golden rule: if the kids are having fun, learning sticks. But when it comes to science, especially the vast, mysterious field of astronomy, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Stars, planets, craters, and clouds may seem far off and abstract. How do we bring it all down to earth in a way that makes sense for our kids?
The good news? You don’t need a telescope or a degree in astrophysics to make astronomy engaging. With just a few household items (and maybe a willingness to sweep up flour afterward), you can spark curiosity and foster wonder at God’s magnificent creation.
Here are a few hands-on astronomy activities to make astronomy unforgettable for your upper elementary learners. Most can be adapted for younger or older kids too, so feel free to get the whole family involved.
Keeping God At The Center
As you explore the heavens with your kids with hands-on astronomy activities, remind them that the same God who hung the stars also knit them together in your womb. The heavens declare the glory of God, and so do the giggles, questions, and “aha!” moments around your homeschool table.
Before we move on, let me share with you some astronomy resources from a biblical worldview perspective. I do this because most books and resources you will find on the market is from an evolutionary worldview and will teach a millions of years old ideology and that humans evolved from apes. We are made in the image of God, and scripture clearly refutes evolution. I personally believe in a young earth (6,000 years) and teach this to my children. These books are in my own personal library and I highly recommend adding them to yours!
Venus Topography Box: Seeing Without Seeing
Let’s start with Venus, our cloud-covered neighbor. Scientists have never laid human eyes on Venus’s rocky surface. Yet, thanks to topographical mapping using radar, they know what it looks like. How? Let’s show our kids!
What You’ll Need:
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Pencil or popsicle stick with measurement marks drawn on them
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Something to poke holes (like a skewer or sharp pencil)
Instructions:
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Remove the lid and press modeling clay onto the bottom of the box, forming hills, mountains, ridges, and valleys—make it wild!
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Replace the lid and punch 10–12 holes randomly across the top.
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Using your measuring stick, poke it through each hole and mark how far down it goes before hitting the surface. Write down or graph the measurements.
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Now guess the shape of the surface based on the measurements—then open the box and compare!
This hands-on astronomy activity gives your kids a brilliant illustration of how God gave humans the creativity and intellect to study things they can’t see. It’s also a great conversation starter about how God reveals truth to us in His Word, clearly and reliably, even when we can’t see everything ourselves.
Phases of the Moon Activity
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Meteorite Craters: Science That Smashes Expectations
Warning: This is a messy hands-on astronomy activity, but oh-so-fun. Perfect for warm days on the porch or for spreading out a big tablecloth inside.
What You’ll Need:
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A few different-sized rocks
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Trash bags or drop cloths (trust me on this one)
Instructions:
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Pour a 1–2 inch layer of flour into the pan.
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Sprinkle a very thin, even layer of cocoa powder on top to cover the white.
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Drop a rock from shoulder height and watch what happens!
The flour will burst out and cover the cocoa in a beautiful spray pattern, just like what happens when real meteorites hit the moon or Earth. The result? The layers beneath the surface tell the story, not just what’s on top.
Bonus Experiments:
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Drop rocks of different sizes from the same height to see how size affects the crater.
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Drop the same rock from different heights to explore the effect of speed.
This is a perfect chance to marvel at the power and precision of God’s design, even in something as destructive as a meteorite strike. Every crater tells a story, and every detail of His universe speaks of His glory (Psalm 19:1).
Planet Scales: A Visual Lesson in Cosmic Proportions
Most kids are shocked to learn how big (or small!) the planets actually are compared to each other. Let’s help them visualize it.
Earth and Moon Scale:
Draw a circle 16 inches across to represent Earth. Now ask your kids to draw the Moon on the same scale. What do they think?
Answer: The Moon would be only 4 inches wide!
This simple activity leads to lots of “Whoa!” moments and helps correct common misunderstandings. You can also reverse it—ask your kids to draw the Moon first, then guess how big Earth should be.
Bonus Activity:
Pick any size for Earth and have your children guess how big the other planets or the Sun would be. For example, if Earth is a tennis ball, what size would Jupiter be? (Spoiler: It’s a beach ball—and the Sun? Bigger than your house!)
You can even turn it into a sidewalk chalk activity and draw the solar system to scale in your driveway or down the street.
The Joy of Stargazing… Even Indoors
Astronomy captures the imagination like few other sciences. There’s something deeply awe-inspiring about gazing into the sky and realizing how small we are, and how big our God is. These simple activities turn curiosity into knowledge, and knowledge into worship.
Whether you’re comparing craters, mapping unseen terrain, or sketching the planets, you’re not just teaching facts. You’re helping your children develop a sense of wonder and reverence for their Creator.
What’s Your Favorite Hands-On Astronomy Activities?
Do you have any resources to share from a biblical worldview? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below!
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