Cub Scout Astronomy Belt Loop

This week in Cub Scouts we are going to do the Astronomy Belt Loop.  I am SO excited because there are such FUN things you can do to learn about space!
There are three requirements in order to achieve this Belt Loop:

Demonstrate how to focus a simple telescope or binoculars. (A local astronomy club may be a resource for this activity.)

Draw a diagram of our solar system—identify the planets and other objects.

Explain the following terms: planet, star, solar system, galaxy, the Milky Way, black hole, red giant, white dwarf, comet, meteor, moon, asteroid, star map and universe.

The biggest hang up I had was the last requirement. That sounded hard for second graders.  Plus, what boy likes vocabulary?  So, in an effort to make it more fun, I used this AWESOME site to make a crossword puzzle for the boys to solve.  WAY more fun and hopefully memorable too!

Cub Scout Astronomy Belt Loop Crossword Puzzle

For the second requirement, I found the most amazing looking Illuminated Solar System Craft that they can each do with contact and tissue paper on a black posterboard.  I will cut out all the holes beforehand so they can focus on which planet goes where and what each one looks like.  I really like that this craft is BIG, shiny, and gives them an idea of each planet's color.  While they are working on this craft will be a perfect time to read some space books to them from the library :)

It's going to be a really fun night!