Celebrate the wonders of our universe on May 2nd 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
Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium | Let’s Go!
Grades K-5
Let’s explore the stars! Take a virtual field trip to the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium to learn how we’ve used the night sky for thousands of years to navigate and predict the seasons.
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.
Tour of the Galaxy and Beyond
Grades 6-8
Take a journey from Earth through the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and beyond with this video and interactive lesson featuring resources from the California Academy of Sciences and NASA. Then visualize cosmic sizes and distances while learning about Earth’s place in the observable universe.
Pushing a Spacecraft with Light? | Physics Girl
Grades 6-12
What if you could power a ship using sunlight instead of wind? Well in space, you can! Solar sails or light sails are pushed with light from the sun.
Seeing the Universe in Infrared | New Eye on the Universe
Grades 9-12
Ever wondered how we turn space data into colorful images? Check out this NOVA video to see how infrared data creates stunning visuals of the universe!
Activities, Games & More
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 Game
Grades K-3
In this PBS KIDS game from Ready Jet Go!, your child can race the rescue rover to collect solar panel pieces and learn facts about planets and moons along the way.
Space Case | Reading Rainbow Stories
Grades K-5
Ready for an alien adventure? Reading Rainbow’s LeVar Burton takes us to Lick Observatory to explore the stars while we enjoy a reading of the picture book “Space Case.”
The Road to Apollo: An Interactive Journey
Grades 6-12
Discover the breathtaking failures and successes and the stakes and costs of the American space program as you take an immersive journey through Project Apollo’s missions 1, 8, and 11 in The Road to Apollo: An Interactive Journey from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.