Covering Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology and Earth Science, has left little time to really get into Astronomy – the scientific study of the individual celestial bodies and of the universe as a whole. I know there’s a Biblical purpose for which the Sun, Moon and Stars were created, “…to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” Genesis 1:14
In Junior High School I did an illustrated report on constellations. I took over the huge bulletin board in the back of the classroom, used thumb tacks and white string, on a black background, and mapped the stars in our night sky. My report briefly touched on names, history and origin. I’ve enjoyed the Moon and Stars countless times since then, but I have not counted their worth.
Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The Heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays His handiwork. Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals His greatness.” Based on this verse alone, there is so much more than warmth from the Sun, and pretty lights in the sky at night. I want my children to be able to recognize God’s handiwork, and intelligently acknowledge His greatness. We need to learn how to observe the sky.
“It is said that every home in early America owned a (Holy) Bible, a copy of [John Bunyan’s] Pilgrim’s Progress, and the current annual astronomical almanack,” writes Jay Ryan, author of The Classical Astronomy.
In his Celestial Almanack, February, 2012, Vol. 1, Number 2 you’ll find:
an Astronomical Calendar
Signs of the Seasons
* The Sun’s Declination
Seasonal Skies – Evening
*The Great Constellation Orion
*The N, E, and W Horizons
Dance of the Planets
*Jupiter and Venus Approach
*The Motion of Jupiter and Venus
*Superior Planets – Mars, Saturn
We love Jay’s style of teaching!
Blessings,
Penny
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
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