For Parents & Teachers

Everything you need to help young Light Detectives explore the world after dark.

Who is Light Detectives for?

For curious kids aged 8–12, whether they’re exploring at home, school or in their community. There’s no set order to the missions – children can simply choose one that interests them and start investigating!

At Home

In the Classroom

At the Local Library

In a Science Club

Community Activities

What can you discover?

Every mission is a chance to look more closely at the world after dark.

Light and darkness

Understand light pollution, explore the night sky and discover why darkness matters.

Wildlife and our world

Investigate how artificial light affects wildlife and learn how better outdoor lighting can help.

Become a detective

Look for clues, spot patterns, ask questions and become a citizen scientist.

Pick a mission. Follow the clues. See what you discover.

Explore the missions

Teacher Resources

Helpful websites, activities and teaching materials to take the learning further.

Light Pollution and Wildlife

Australian Government

Discover how artificial light affects Australian wildlife, including turtles, seabirds, bats and migratory birds. Includes national guidelines and practical advice on better outdoor lighting.

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What is Light Pollution?

Australasian Dark Sky Alliance

Learn about the different types of light pollution, including skyglow, glare and light trespass. Discover why protecting darkness matters and how responsible lighting can help.
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Videos and Presentations

Australasian Dark Sky Alliance

Explore talks and presentations about wildlife, astronomy, human health and dark sky conservation, featuring Australian scientists, researchers and dark sky advocates.
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Citizen Science Project

Globe at Night

A hands-on citizen science project where students observe constellations, compare the stars they can see and share their findings to help measure light pollution worldwide.
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Educator Resources

Dark Sky International

Explore classroom activities, lesson ideas and creative projects covering light pollution, energy and the night sky. Includes resources designed for children aged 8–13 years.
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Education Resource Library

CSIRO

Discover a collection of STEM teaching resources for Australian classrooms, including lesson plans, inquiry activities and citizen science projects for primary and secondary students.
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Teacher Notes

CSIRO Publishing

Access free teacher notes, classroom activities and learning resources designed to complement children’s books, including materials suitable for Australian Years 3–6.

MARNIE – LINK IS BROKEN – I CAN’T FIND CORRECT PAGE.

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