![\"Summer](\"https:\/\/images.helpteaching.com\/5-summer-science-ideas-for-kids.png\")
Science surrounds us and summer offers the perfect time for families to explore science in action. Avoid the summer slump and try some of these suggestions for summer science adventures with your child. Most of these activities are low-cost or free, but be sure to check with your local library before heading out to learn about free and discount passes to museums and other local attractions.<\/p>\n
Science is collaborate by nature, so join in and lend a hand by participating in a citizen science project. Project participants support scientific research by:<\/p>\n
These are just a few of citizen science projects looking for volunteers and many welcome help from children working with the guidance of an adult. Search for other citizen science projects at Zooniverse<\/a>\u00a0and SciStarter<\/a>.<\/p>\n With parks from Maine to California and everywhere in-between, the National Park Service offers an affordable option for hands-on summer science fun. Fourth grade students qualify for free annual park passes through the Every Kid Outdoors<\/a> program. The Junior Rangers Program<\/a>\u00a0gives kids the opportunity to explore nature, attend ranger guided programs, and complete activities for each park. If your budding park ranger completes a Junior Ranger Program, each park offers a patch or badge and a certificate of completion. Can\u2019t visit a particular park? Visit the NPS\u2019s on-line WebRangers<\/a> page.<\/p>\n There are many fabulous science museums<\/a> that offer kids access to interactive learning opportunities. For those fortunate enough to be within driving distance to a NASA center<\/a>, consider a visit. Learn about space exploration, aeronautics, and ongoing missions and discoveries. Many of the centers, including Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, welcome visitors and offer tours. If you can’t travel to a visitor center, then be sure to visit NASA Wavelength<\/a> and explore the vast collection of educational resources NASA has to offer.<\/p>\n With centers across the nation, the Audubon Society provides outdoor adventure for all ages. Visit a sanctuary, go on a hike, and explore the local lands and wildlife. Many centers offer nature-themed programs designed exclusively for children and families as well as summer camps. Centers are open to the public, but those with memberships may visit for free and receive discounts on programs and camps. Find an\u00a0Audubon Center<\/a>\u00a0near you.<\/p>\n Hands-on science activities at home are a great way to have some summer fun, spend family time together, and even learn a little something new. Science at home is affordable and typically can be conducted with household objects and resources. Follow your child\u2019s lead and try experiments related to his or her interests. Get started with these science activities for kids<\/a>\u00a0or browse this collection of home science activities<\/a> from Scientific American.<\/p>\n Grab a blanket and the bug spray and head outside for some star gazing. If possible, get away from light pollution, you will be amazed at what you can see once your eyes adjust to the dark on a clear night. Bring a star chart and try to locate a few stars, planets<\/a>, constellations<\/a>, and galaxies. Use binoculars to identify surface features of the moon<\/a>. If that isn\u2019t spectacular enough for your aspiring astronomer, try counting the number of \u201cshooting stars\u201d during a meteor shower<\/a>. August’s Perseids meteor shower is a great one to enjoy on a warm summer evening. Check out this year’s not-to-miss\u00a0celestial events to watch with kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n Above all, be sure to get your kids outside to get some fresh air and soak up some vitamin D!<\/p>\n Looking for more ideas for summer fun with your children? Be sure to read 100 Summer Activities for Kids<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Science surrounds us and summer offers the perfect time for families to explore science in action. Avoid the summer slump and try some of these suggestions for summer science adventures with your child. Most of these activities are low-cost or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[191,190],"tags":[31,18,15,55],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n2. Become a National Park Service Junior Ranger<\/h3>\n
3. Visit a\u00a0Science\u00a0Center<\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0Try Hands-On Science Activities<\/h3>\n
5. Star Watch<\/h3>\n