Celebrate the wonders of our universe on May 5th for National Space Day!
From Galileo’s early studies in astronomy to the Cold War-era space race and humankind’s first steps on the moon, people throughout the ages have looked to the stars with curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Did you know that space travel and discovery also means using math, science, technology, and engineering every step of the way? We rely on scientific experts here on Earth to design spacesuits, rovers, and rockets and compute flight plans, analyzing the data to help astronauts reach new frontiers. And don’t forget about studying the human body to see just how we react to weightlessness… or how to get all your nutrients from freeze-dried ice cream and Tang!
This National Space Day, share in the excitement of space exploration and let your curiosity blast off with the resources and activities below. Learn about scientific discoveries within our solar system and what training you need to be an astronaut!
Explore the Science of Space
Tour of the Solar System with Ready Jet Go!
Grades K-2
Embark with Jet and his friends in the fastest interstellar spaceship and take a tour of our Solar System to learn about all the planets!
Astronauts | Science Trek
Grades K-5
What is it like to work in space and on the International Space Station? Astronauts have a challenging and fascinating job. It takes lots of different scientists to make it possible for astronauts to do their work. Join host Joan Cartan-Hansen and the Science Trek crew as they travel to the Johnson Space Center to learn about what it takes to be an astronaut.
What Training Do I Need to Be an Astronaut? | STEM in 30
Grades 3-8
Did you know that training for a spacewalk requires a 6.5 million gallon swimming pool, a team of divers, and a mock-up of the International Space Station? Astronauts have to train for a variety of different jobs they have to do in low Earth orbit. Once on the station, astronauts run science experiments (sometimes on themselves), fix toilets, and run the robotic arm. Do you think you have what it takes to complete astronaut training? Find out on this STEM in 30.
The Rocket – NASA is Born | Space Chase USA
Grades 3-12
The Wright Brothers introduced the world to flight, but do your kids know how NASA came to be? Find out in this video from PBS station WUCF and PBS LearningMedia.
NOVA: Finding Life Beyond Earth | How the Inner Solar System Formed
Grades 6-12
In this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn how our solar system formed from a cloud of gas and dust more than 4.5 billion years ago. Watch video that features real satellite imagery as well as simulations to illustrate how small bodies in the early solar system collided with each other to form larger objects and early planets (protoplanets). See how computer simulations have shown that over tens of millions of years, collisions between hundreds of protoplanets formed the rocky inner planets we see today.
The Star In You
Grades 9-12
In this article and slideshow from NOVA scienceNOW, learn how the Big Bang and the life cycles of stars created every single atom in your body! The text describes how stars are born, how thermonuclear reactions inside stars produce elements up to iron, how red giants and supernovas produce elements heavier than iron, and how the elements are dispersed from stars into space and incorporated into you.
Activities, Games & More
Exploring Space: 10 Books for Little Astronauts
Grades PreK-3
Almost every child has questions about space. What happens to the sun at night? Why does the moon change shape? What are shooting stars? How do astronauts live in space? Is there life out there? Here are ten books that can help answer their questions… and perhaps inspire new ones!
Stargazing and Other Astronomy Activities You Can Do With Your Kids
Grades PreK-5
Space is a fascinating and sometimes confusing topic for kids. Stargazing provides a great opportunity to start exploring the cosmos! Take your child’s curiosity further with a few simple ways to learn about the wonders of astronomy together.
Make a Moon Phase Box
Grades K-2
Did you know the moon has different phases? Observe with your child how the shape of the moon appears to change night after night. Make a moon phase box to get a closer look at how and why the moon’s shape appears to change.
Sean’s Rescue Quest
Grades K-3
In this PBS KIDS game, your child can race the rescue rover to collect solar panel pieces and learn facts about planets and moons along the way.
Map a Model Solar System
Grades 6-8
Customize a scale model of the solar system on a map with this interactive. Set the center of the solar system at any location in the United States, pick a scale based on the size of the Sun or Earth, and then see the relative locations of planetary orbits on the map.
Is There Life in Space?
Grades 9-12
Discover how scientists find planets and other astronomical bodies, compare zones of habitability, and determine water possibility around different star types in this series of interactive modules. Finally, explore how scientists use spectroscopy to learn about atmospheres on distant planets.