Description

Download the requirements for the astronomer award by clicking on the download link above.

Astronomer

1. Name several stargazers in the Bible.
2. Identify one planet, two stars, and three constellations in the sky at night and give their correct names.
3. Make a constellation peep box.
4. Explain the difference between a planet and a star.
5. Observe planets and stars in the night sky.
6. Observe two of the following and make a crayon resist:

1. Moonrise
2. Sunrise
3. Sunset

7. Find three texts in the Bible that refer to the heavens.

Helps
1. Adam and Eve (Education, page 21); Abraham (Genesis 15:5); Joseph (Education, page 52); Jesus (SDA Commentary, Volume 5, page 1117); Moses (Patriarchs & Prophets, page 475); Wise Men (Matthew 2:2).
2. Go out at night to observe the sky and draw a picture of the planet, stars, and constellations you saw. When possible, visit a planetarium.
3. Take a small shoe box, oatmeal box, etc. Have the children choose which constellation they wish to make. Draw the constellation on the outside end of the container. Poke a small hole where each star is located. Turn to the other end and cut two medium eye-size holes to peek into. Hold peep box to light and view the constellations. Encourage variety in the constellations so each child may guess what one they are viewing.
4. Observe and recognize some prominent stars and constellations. A star is a single body, such as the North Star. A constellation is a group of stars, such as the Big Dipper. Some of the brightest stars are Polaris, Castor, Regulus, Deneb, Altair, Rigel, Capella, and Vega. Orion, Leo, Libra, Lyra, Virgo, Taurus, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Canis Major and Minor are a few of the constellations. Choose several of each, locating ones that are easiest to find and identify in your area during the time of year you are teaching the class.
5. Get away from city lights to view the night sky or watch a DVD about the sky.
6. Observe the sky at sunrise, sunsets and/or moonrise. Make it a fun time together to watch the wonder of God’s large lights.
7. A Bible concordance lists many texts. Choose, read, and explain. (e.g., Genesis 1:16, Deuteronomy 10:22, Isaiah 13:10, Matthew 2:10)