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Cosmic Timekeepers

Activity

Exploring the Age of Our Universe, Solar System, and Galaxy

Research the age of our solar system, galaxy, and universe. Create a graph using these data. How do scientists calculate these estimates? Visit the oldest living thing in your neighborhood. What is the oldest living thing in your school or your house?

Science Seed

Scientists estimate that the universe is about 13.8 billion years old, but our solar system and Earth are much younger—around 4.6 billion years old. Astronomers determine the universe’s age in two ways: by studying the oldest stars and by measuring the expansion of the universe back to the Big Bang. The age of the solar system is estimated by dating the oldest meteorites and Moon rocks, which formed from the same materials as Earth. Comparing these ages helps scientists understand how our planet, Sun, and the wider universe evolved over time!

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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 Billy Reagan K-8 Education Center

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.

This project was made possible by HEB.