Make Your Own Space Exploration Unit Study!

October 4, 2018
Written by:
Jamie Gaddy
Elementary Homeschool, Homeschool Science

Space. The final frontier… or is it? The study of space, otherwise known as astronomy is a field of study that is nearly limitless. Scientists continually discover new and amazing things in the “great beyond.” And science careers are fascinating.  It’s a great opportunity, but one that starts when our children are young. Awakening an interest in the study of the cosmos, or the world beyond our planet is an important aspect of education.

The study of space is the investigation of everything outside the atmosphere of Earth. Astronomy studies celestial objects (such as stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and nebulae) and processes of those celestial objects like supernovae explosions, gamma-ray ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background radiation. (What? There are microwaves in outer space?)

Super Space Events

Start your space study with these important space moments!

  • October 4, 1957, Sputnik 1 became the first satellite to be launched by man into space.
  • On April 12, 1961, Yury A. Gagarin became the first person in space.
  • On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 took the first humans to walk the moon.
  • On April 25, 1990, the space shuttle Discovery placed the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit.
  • August 6, 2012, NASA’s Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars.
  • July 14th, 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft completes a successful flyby of Pluto.

Soar Higher with an Online Space Study for Kids

One of the great concerns about the study of science and the future of our space exploration lies with our children. Encouraging an interest in the sciences when they are young is an important way to introduce them to something they may love and want to explore as a career. It all begins in the early years. Which is why this online science study for kids in kindergarten through third was born. Let your kids give it a try with the free videos, demos, and printables available.

Learn More About the Study of Space

  • Learn about moon phases with Oreos. Pull apart the cookie to reveal the cream filling and scoop away the filling to represent the full moon, waxing gibbous, first quarter, waxing crescent, new moon, waning crescent, last quarter, and waning gibbous.
  • Grab a telescope and learn about the constellations. Use black construction paper and stickers to make the stars of the constellation. Connect the stars with white chalk to see the constellation forms!
  • Build moon habitat! Roll up newspaper into stong tubes and secure with tape. Use three tubes to create a triangle. Use multiple triangles to make a moon habit structure and then cover with a bedsheet to complete the lunar building!
  • Plan a planetarium trip! Learn about the stars and planets with a trip to your local planetarium. If there isn’t one near you try this online planetarium for backyard star fun! If you are lucky enough to have a space center near you, make a day of it!
  • Do you have a question that you need answered? NASA’s Ask a Scientist can help you find answers to your space questions!

Looking for something out of this world?

Astronomy Books for Kids

Free High School Science and Space Studies

Reach for the Stars with Writing Skills

A great way to cement the learning that you’ve done throughout your study on space and astronomy is to use these 6 space writing prompts to encourage a creative response to what they’ve internalized.

Wrap Your Astronomy Study up with Space Games

Space Puzzle Printable 2

Space Flashcards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space Invaders Game
Just for Fun – Space Invaders!

 

#ASTRONOMY, #SCIENCE

Jamie Gaddy

Jamie Gaddy, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D. has been a college education professor for over 17 years. Education has been a part of her life in both the classroom and as a principal. Six children later found her dissatisfied with traditional school and homeschool became the better fit. She is also a pastor’s wife, editor, and entrepreneur who now homeschools four of her six children in Georgia. Jamie loves to share about her homeschool experience to help other homeschoolers find success. Connect with her at [email protected].