Children love the unusual! So why not surprise them with a science exploration after dark?

Discover Nature at Sundown by Elizabeth P. Lawlor

There are all kinds of enjoyable learning opportunities just waiting in the shadows, and everyone will have fun—all while experiencing the nocturnal side of nature!

Time for Kids: Spiders by the Editors of Time for Kids

Spiders, especially wolf spiders, are very common and easy to spot in your yard at night. According to the experts at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the spiders have a green ‘eye shine’ that is caused “by a tapetum in the eye which reflects light rays back through the eye retina and probably enhances the spider’s night vision.” For a neat activity, use a flashlight or small light that straps around the forehead and walk slowly through your yard, casting the beam towards the ground. You will be amazed at all the beautiful jewel-like glitters you’ll see. These are actually the spiders’ eyes! Shine the light closer to the ‘glitters’ and you’ll probably find a spider. Is it a wolf spider or some other kind? Find out!

Fireflies by Megan E. Bryant

Fireflies or lightning bugs are fascinating creatures that sparkle and flicker in the summer woods. Light production in fireflies is due to a type of chemical reaction called bioluminescence, and the bugs light up to attract a mate. For a fun activity, catch and place several fireflies in a jar with a mesh top for a few minutes. Children love to examine these extraordinary insects and are captivated and delighted by their ability to produce cold light. Discuss the phenomena of bioluminescence before gently releasing the fireflies.

A Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations–and How You Can Find Them in the Sky by Michael Driscoll

Few things are lovelier than a clear night sky filled with twinkling stars. In addition, studying the heavens with a young stargazer makes for a priceless memory. Although there is a plethora of scientific information concerning navigation, the atmosphere, telling time by the stars, mythology, or seasonal changes that would be interesting to pursue, simply looking upward at the stars and finding constellations or ‘pictures in the sky’ is a pleasurable pastime. How many constellations can you identify? Check out a book or find a relevant website and start gazing at the stars.

Hear and There Book: Night Sounds by Frank Gallo

Whooo, whooo do you hear hooting or calling out in the night? Owls, spring peepers, frogs, crickets and katydids all make interesting sounds that are fun to identify. As you walk around outside in the evening, do you hear noises that are familiar? Now, listen really hard. Do you hear animal calls or sounds that you may not have noticed before? Find out what they are and read about the insect or animal you have identified!

Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward

Exploring at night is an awesome way to generate enthusiasm, creativity and a love of the outdoors. While in the dark, you might just shed some light on a new way to learn and spark the interest of your child to find out more about nature at night!

Written by Amy M. O’Quinn/Originally posted on the National Writing for Children website