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Stories in the Stars

Activity

Creating Sky Tales Inspired by Culture and Community

Discover how the moon, stars, or sun are seen in a culture you connect with, maybe your own, a family member’s, or one you are curious about. Then create your own sky story that represents the values of your community. Share the story with friends and family.

Science Seed

Different cultures around the world have their own constellations, sky stories, and ways of understanding the stars and moon. For example, in many Indigenous American traditions, the Big Dipper is seen not as a dipper, but as a bear, a coyote, or a canoe. In Mexican culture, some people see a rabbit on the moon instead of a “man in the moon,” and stories are passed down to explain how the rabbit got there. In Hindu traditions, the moon marks the timing of major festivals and rituals. These sky stories help people tell time, guide travel, honor ancestors, and understand their place in the universe. Even today, many families use the moon to mark special events or remember loved ones. By exploring these traditions, we learn that astronomy isn’t just about telescopes, it’s also about the ways people connect to the sky through memory, celebration, and stories.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.