The Arkansas State Library circulates solar science kits to libraries for use in public library programming. Kits support programming for pre-K children, K-12 youth, adults, and can be used in multi-generational programming for families and patrons of all ages. Kits include a solar telescope, Sunspotter, sunoculars, Moonbear’s Shadow storytime activity, and additional STEM activities.
Circulation Process
Kits can be borrowed by any public library in the state of Arkansas for four months at a time. The borrowing library must pick up the kits at the Arkansas State Library in Little Rock and return the kits to the Arkansas State Library.
Solar Science Programming Kit Request Form
Toolkit Activities
- Bear’s Shadow (Pre-K)
- Big Sun, Small Moon (Ages 7 and up)
- Sorting Games: How Big? How Far? How Hot? (Family, Tweens, Teens, Adults)
Using the Telescopes
Users Guide to the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
Tips for Using Solar Binoculars
- Children should always be supervised while using solar binoculars.
- Raise one hand to block out the sun.
- If you normally wear eyeglasses, hold the solar binoculars in front of your glasses.
- Raise the solar binoculars to your eyes, then point them at your lifted hand so that they will be pointing in the direction of the sun.
- Hold the solar binoculars with both hands.
- Solar binoculars are dark! It may initially be difficult to find the sun with solar binoculars.
Additional Resources
Funding for this project is provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and by a grant from U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
For more information, contact:
- Jennifer Wann
- Manager of Library Development
- jenn.wann@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-5288
