Bright Sky, Starry City imparts to the reader the wonder that Phoebe and her Dad feel when stargazing. A trip to a local planetarium is a magical, transformative experience for children — and provides a solid introduction to astronomy. If equipment is available and circumstances permit, you can also plan an evening stargazing event for the class. Coordinate with an astronomy teacher or local stargazing group to provide support for this event. Be sure to prepare students for what they will see in advance so they can get the most out of the evening. A telescope will provide the best experience for all involved but can only be used by one person at a time. To keep interest and enthusiasm high, encourage students to bring binoculars as well. The moon is an impressive sight through binoculars, and a great introduction to amateur astronomy and stargazing. The next class day, discuss students’ impressions. What did they learn from this experience?
