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Previous Summer Episodes
Summer Campfire Constellations - aired on June 2
Able to get away and spend a night around a campfire sometime this summer? Want to know what constellations to look for? We've got you covered! Watch now.
Suggested Activities
- Create Flashlight Constellations (Ages 3 - 7)
- Constellation Art with Rocks and Sidewalk Chalk (Ages 4 - 10)
- Starry Night Cards (Ages 3+)
- Marshmallow Constellations (Ages 3 - 7)
- Stargazing apps
Rainbows in our Universe - aired on June 9
When it comes to rainbows, there's more to it than the eye can see. We all love a double rainbow, but did you know that scientists can actually split light into a rainbow to find out what distant planets, stars, and galaxies are made of? Find out how important rainbows are for learning about our universe! Watch now.
Suggested Activities
- Make a Prism (Ages 10+)
- Color of Stars (Ages 11 - 13)
- How to Make Rainbow Paper (Ages 3+)
- Make Your Own Rainbow (Ages 3 - 9)
- Rainbow Water Xylophone (Ages 3 - 9)
- Soap Film Painting (adult assembly required)
Celebrating the Solstice - aired on June 16
The solstice has been celebrated in many different ways by hundreds of cultures in human history. On June 20 this year marks the moment when the North Pole is angled more toward the sun than on any other day of the year. Learn more about the cultural and scientific significance of this day! Watch now.
Suggested Activities
- Shadow Play (Ages 5 - 10)
- Ancient Sun Observations (Ages 7+)
- Day and Night (Ages 3 - 6)
- Meet Our Closest Star App (Ages 4+)
The Craziest Exoplanets - aired on June 23
Did you know that over 4,000 planets have been discovered around other stars in our galaxy so far? They come in all types and sizes - some quite similar to our 8 planets, and some very, very wild. Join us to learn about some of the craziest exoplanets we've observed! Watch now.
Suggested activities
- Exploring the Universe: Imaginging Life (Ages 4+)
- Planet Hunters TESS (Ages 12+)
- Paper Mache Planets (Ages 4+)
Why Does Dark Matter Matter? - aired on June 30
Ah, the mysterious dark matter. We hear about it as something that's part of our universe that we can't see. What is dark matter, what do we know about it, and why does it matter? As it turns out, it plays a very important role in shaping our universe!
Suggested Activities
- How Do We See Dark Matter? (Ages 10+)
- Dark Matter Interactive (Ages 16+)
- Gravity Experiments for Kids (Ages 5 - 12)
Comets and Killer Asteroids - aired on July 7
Did you know that there are millions upon millions of asteroids and comets in our solar system? Where do they come from? Do they ever hit the Earth? What would happen if they did? Join us to find out more!
Suggested activities
- Make a Comet on a Stick (Ages 3 - 9)
- Create a Comet with Dry Ice (Adult supervision required)
- Make a Moon Crater (Ages 5 - 13)
- Target Asteroids! Citizen Science Project (Requires a telescope)
What Mars2020 will Tell Us - aired on July 14
NASA's Mars 2020 mission with the Perseverance rover is planned to launch on July 20, 2020. What can we expect to learn about Mars from this mission?
Suggested Activities
- Exploring the Solar System: Mars Rovers (Ages 4+)
- Planetary Pasta Rovers (Ages 8+)
- Explore Mars Game (Ages 5 - 12)
- Planet Four: Mars Citizen Science (Ages 10+)
The Weirdest Things about Black Holes - aired on July 21
Black holes are weird! From distorting time and space to creating some of the brightest light in the universe, these objects lend themselves to some of the most fantastic phenomena in the universe.
Suggested activities
- Model of a Black Hole (Ages 7+)
- Modeling the Formation of a Black Hole (Ages 10 - 18)
- Gravity Experiments for Kids (Ages 5 - 12)
- The Black Hole Technique - Acrylic Fluid Art Painting (Ages 12+)
How to take a Picture of Your Night Sky - aired on July 28
Learn some tips for how you can take a photo of your night sky with your phone! We'll also share some quick suggestions for how to get started if you have a DSLR.
Suggested activities
- Stellarium Night Sky Software
- Stargazing apps
- Star Trails Hands-On Activity (Ages 3 - 9)
- Day and Night (Ages 3 - 6)
Understanding the Next Meteor Shower - aired on August 4
Did you know that a meteor shower happens when the Earth passes through the dust leftover from a passing comet? Many of the main meteor showers each year happen thanks to comets! Join us to learn more about the next major meteor shower - where to look, what to look for, and why it happens!
Suggested activities
- Apps that Help You Watch A Meteor Shower
- Make Craters with Mini-Meteors (Ages 5 - 14)
- Meteor Shower Chalk Art (Ages 5 - 9)
- Space Rocks! A Meteorite Board Game (Ages 8+)
