Sponsored by HEB Grocers, this free day at the Texas State History Museum is always very well attended. With a theme of Lunar New Year, and a Full Moon on the day (Feb 1st) we brought an activity related to tracking the moon and some of our favorite Almanacs as well a perspective picture of the moon for fun photos (print a small one and take a picture with the image flat and camera vertical and at a little distance to try it out). Enlarge to 24″ x 36″ size for human version. We also brought a whole bunch of Bubble Tiles and frames! See below for details on how to make our “Almanac with Moon Tracker”.
Note: We really enjoyed having the Bubble Tiles out too. We noticed kids and parents and even adults without kids really took an interest. One Mom shared that her son didn’t usually care to try puzzles, but he liked these a lot. Another told us his daughter LOVES puzzles and was having a great time.
Almanac Activity
Materials Needed:
- PDF Almanac/ Lunar Tracker booklet
- Golf Tee and any eraser – available everywhere!
- Pens or colored pencils to mark.
Directions:
The lunar tracker booklet is printed on 40lb weight heavy paper but it can go in the printer and fold and cut easily. Regular paper works too. Make special arrows if you have a laser cutter or just use the arrow on the tracker. Color it and cut it out. Use a golf tee and eraser (to brace the back) to make a nice hole that will work with a standard brad. The booklet has some basic almanac features like a place for your name and some fun facts. The record sheet has room for a picture of the moon phase, phase name and for the author to write something of personal meaning. If inspired the author can make more pages.
Do not omit the first step, which is to let kids poke the holes for the arrow. As an almost irresistable opportunity to put a hole in something, it works as a great engagement.
Thank you so much for partnering with us at Free First Sunday! We welcomed over 2,300 visitors throughout the day. I heard so many great comments from visitors and saw so many smiling faces as families explored your station. They all loved the bubble tiles! We really appreciate all of the effort to make this event a success. Thanks again!
Kristin Johnson
Head of Public Programs