Here’s another fun and educational activity to do with your kids that you can take advantage of in just a few short days! July 21, 2024 brings us the famous Full Buck Moon, and I wanted to share some information about this month’s celestial event that’s a great opportunity to teach your kids not only about this month’s full moon, but also about our closest celestial body in general!
What is the Full Buck Moon?
Read MoreWhy Do We Call It the Buck Moon?
The name “Buck Moon” comes from Native American traditions. Various tribes named each full moon to reflect the changing seasons and the natural world around them. In July, bucks are in their prime, growing their antlers in preparation for the mating season. It’s called the Buck Moon because this is the time of year when male deer, known as bucks, grow their new antlers.
Other Names for the July Full Moon
While “Buck Moon” is the most common name, different cultures have their own names for the July full moon. Some call it the “Thunder Moon” because of the frequent thunderstorms in summer. Others refer to it as the “Hay Moon,” marking the time when hay is harvested. Each name offers a glimpse into the way different societies observe and celebrate nature.
Fun Activities to Enjoy the Full Buck Moon
- Moonlit Nature Walk: Take your kids on a night hike and see if you can spot any nocturnal animals. Bring a flashlight, but try to rely on the moonlight to guide your way. It’s a great way to appreciate the brightness of the full moon.
- Stargazing Party: Grab a blanket, some snacks, and find a comfy spot to lie down and watch the sky. You can teach your kids about constellations and the different phases of the moon. My favorite app for spotting stars and constellations is Sky Guide by Fifth Star Labs and is completely free!
- Moon Journal: Start a moon journal where your children can draw pictures of the moon and write down their observations. Over time, they’ll notice how the moon changes shape and position.
- Lunar Legends: Share stories and myths about the moon from different cultures. The moon has inspired countless tales, from the Greek goddess Selene to the Chinese Moon Rabbit. These stories can spark your kids’ imagination and curiosity about different cultures. You can also read to them from Genesis 1:14-19 about God’s creation of the “greater light” and “lesser light” to help them learn more about His creation of our world!
Educational Tidbits to Share
- Phases of the Moon: Explain how the moon orbits the Earth, causing it to go through phases from new moon to full moon and back again. You can use a flashlight and a ball to demonstrate how the light from the sun illuminates different parts of the moon. You can use this Simple Phases of the Moon Guide to help explain it to your children!
- The Moon’s Surface: Talk about the craters and mountains on the moon’s surface. Ask your kids: Did you know that the dark patches on the moon are called “maria,” which means “seas” in Latin? Let them know that ancient astronomers once thought they were actual seas! NASA has a great handout you can print with details about the moon’s surface here.
- Tides and the Moon: The moon’s gravitational pull affects the ocean’s tides. Show your kids how the high and low tides correspond with the moon’s position in the sky. If you want to dig into this topic a little deeper Astro Backyard has a great guide to the tides of the moon with even a video about it you can watch with your kids.
So, mark your calendars for this Sunday, July 21, 2024, and get ready for a fun time under the Full Buck Moon. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your kids, nurture their curiosity, and instill a love for God’s creation. Happy moon watching!