Perseid Meteor Shower đź’«
The Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the most spectacular sights in the summer night sky. Every August, the Earth passes through a trail of dust left behind by a comet, producing bright streaks of light that we often call “shooting stars.”
This collection of CST activities uses the Perseids as the starting point for a fascinating journey through stars, comets, space, navigation, music and memories. We begin with some facts about the meteor shower before discussing our own experiences of looking at the night sky. We will discover the difference between a shooting star, a meteorite and a comet, learn about the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, and explore the stories surrounding Halley’s Comet and Nostradamus.
We will also look back to a time before sat nav and GPS, when travellers and sailors used the stars to find their way, and discover how the signs of the zodiac took their names from constellations in the night sky.
The main group challenge is our own version of Stars in Their Eyes. Inspired by Matthew Kelly’s much-loved television programme, participants can choose a famous singer, dress up or strike a familiar pose, impersonate their voice and perform a favourite song in a light-hearted karaoke round.
Music provides plenty of opportunities for reminiscence and singing, with When You Wish Upon a Star, Stardust, Catch a Falling Star, I Was Born Under a Wand’rin’ Star and Reach for the Stars.
We finish by creating a Wall of Wishes. If you saw a shooting star tonight, what would you wish for? Wishes can be written or drawn on paper stars and displayed together to create a colourful and meaningful group artwork.
Comments