4 Ways to Study Space in Northwest Ohio

Our kids have been interested in learning more about space, particularly constellations. Our oldest son has even been learning Astronomy with Memoria Press. Since he started this curriculum he has been asking more about the stars and looking for and pointing out constellations. All of our children are very hands-on learners, so in order to foster this interest I knew we needed to do some hands-on activities.

4 Ways to Study Space in Northwest Ohio

The Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta is owned by the state of Ohio and is part of the Ohio History Connection’s statewide system of historic sites and museums. With access right off of I-75 it’s easy to get to as well! We connected with a local homeschool group and visited the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. It has a lot more to it than just studying space, though!
We got to start off our visit with the perfect hands-on activity – making our own constellations. All three of our kids participated in the activity, and it was so much fun! We used black tissue paper over a toilet roll and punched holes of our favorite constellations. When you shine a light through it in the dark you can see the constellation. As an added bonus, we got to learn a little more about the constellations as well.

The tour is educational, and there is so much to see and learn. In addition to astronauts and space we also learned more about aviation and general. I learned quite a few things myself! What really left a big impression for us was all the interactive activities! The kids got to experience Zero Gravity, use a Lunar Landing Simulator, and even pretend they’re at the controls of a spaceship.
Learn more and plan your trip with their Hours and Admission.

The Millstream Astronomy Club offers public events on Saturdays at Riverbend Park in Findlay at Shelter #5. Times vary due to the phases of the moon. They offer public viewings as well as education. We, personally, haven’t attended one yet, but I’m keeping their schedule on hand.

Photo Credit: University of Findlay
This little gem is found at the University of Findlay. I live just a few blocks away and had no idea there was a planetarium so close! We visited the Newhard Planetarium with our 4-H group. We got to learn more about the stars and constellations. We watched a great video outlying the sheer vastness of space. What we really appreciated is it was presented from a Biblical perspective.
We got to chart the stars and were challenged with questions regarding what we were learning. It looks fairly small on the outside, but it really is bigger than it seems. It easily fit our whole group with seats to spare! It has 65 seats total. The Newhard Planetarium is part of the Brewer Science Hall at the University of Findlay.

If you drive North a little, you can also check out the Planetarium at Bowling Green State University. We, personally, haven’t visited yet, but it’s something we’re making plans for! It’s a little bigger than Newhard Planetarium with 118 seats, so it could definitely host a larger group.
The BGSU Planetarium offers Public Planetarium Programs that are open to all and are given from September to May each year. These programs feature a star talk showing the current evening sky followed by a multimedia planetarium show. They also offer weekend programs which are followed by stargazing at the Observatory on the roof if the weather permits.
 

Study Space in Northwest Ohio

When it comes to studying space in Northwest Ohio I love that there are multiple resources available! It’s a great way to get kids more interested and involved in the study of space. It has really enhanced what we’ve been learning about Astronomy in a hands-on way. Plus, they accommodate a variety of ages, which is always an advantage!
How do you study space in Northwest Ohio?