KEAK AUTHOR
Children’s Activities
Book One
Explore, Learn, and Create with Dr. K!
Join Jennifer and Daniel on their adventures through time while exploring science and fun activities.
Build a Shadow Clock (Sundial)
Before mechanical clocks, ancient civilizations used the sun’s movement across the sky to measure time. Galileo often timed his observations using natural light and shadows, particularly before more advanced timekeeping devices were invented. This hands-on activity introduces children to how sundials work and how the position of the sun creates shifting shadows throughout the day.
By building a simple sundial, children begin to understand Earth’s rotation and how people in Galileo’s time relied on astronomy to track time. They will also gain a deeper appreciation for how scientific instruments evolved from simple observations to precision tools.
Refraction with Water and Glass
Galileo’s telescope revolutionized the way we observe the heavens. One of the key principles behind its function is refraction, the bending of light as it passes through different materials. This experiment introduces children to the basic physics of light, helping them understand how Galileo used lenses to magnify distant objects in the sky. By playing with glass, water, and light, young learners can observe how the direction and focus of light changes — the same concept Galileo relied on to study the moon, Jupiter, and beyond.
This activity links the physics of optics with the practical design of scientific tools. It also emphasizes how something invisible like a light beam can become visible when we explore it through hands-on observation.
Moon Crater Impact Model
The moon’s surface is covered with craters formed by meteorite impacts over billions of years. Galileo was among the first to observe these features through a telescope and realize that the moon was not a smooth, perfect sphere. This challenged long-held beliefs that all celestial bodies were flawless and unchanging. By observing the rugged surface of the moon, Galileo helped shift humanity’s understanding of the universe. In this activity, children will simulate how craters are formed and what factors affect their size and shape, using simple materials to recreate this fascinating natural process.
It will help students grasp the importance of observation, experimentation, and how one discovery can change the way we see the world.
Make a Telescope Like Galileo!
Hello Young Explorer!
Galileo Galilei made one of the first telescopes over 400 years ago and used it to look at the Moon, planets, and stars. You can build your very own version using simple materials. Ready to explore the night sky just like Galileo?
Mapping the Moon
Hello Lunar Explorer!
Galileo was one of the first people to use a telescope to look closely at the moon. He discovered that it had mountains, craters, and valleysjust like Earth! In this activity, you will observe the moon and create your own lunar map.
Get ready to study the moon like a true astronomer!
Swing a Pendulum Like Galileo
Become a backyard astronomer — one page at a time!
Galileo kept detailed notes of what he saw in the sky. You can do the same by starting your own Star Log. Watch the sky, write your observations, and track how it changes.
Keep a Night Sky Log
Become a backyard astronomer — one page at a time!
Galileo kept detailed notes of what he saw in the sky. You can do the same by starting your own Star Log. Watch the sky, write your observations, and track how it changes.
Model the Solar System
Hello Planetary Explorer!
Galileos discoveries helped us understand that the sunnot Earthis at the center of the solar system. Today, you will build a model to show where the planets are and how they move around the sun.
Lets explore the solar system one planet at a time!
Make a Constellation Viewer
Bring the night sky indoors with your own star projector!
Long ago, people used stars to tell stories and find their way. This craft helps you recreate constellations and imagine how ancient skywatchers made sense of the stars above.