3-2-1, Blast Off!

Who doesn’t dream of jetting off into space? While only astronauts get to soar among the stars, we can still have fun exploring the solar system from here on Earth. Share in the excitement of space exploration from the comfort of your own home with PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.

Learn about scientific discoveries in our solar system, watch astronauts navigate daily life aboard the International Space Station, and take a tour of the Milky Way galaxy all from your computer! Take time this week to enjoy the hands-on projects and crafts, out-of-this world games, and (inter)stellar videos below.

Then, next week, explore the far reaches of outer space with Jet Propulsion ⎯ our favorite alien next door! Check out two specials from Ready Jet Go! on PBS Kids 24/7. And keep playing and learning all season long with Summer Camp activities from PBS LearningMedia.

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Exploring the Wonders of Space

Asteroids, Meteors, and Meteorites | Ready Jet Go!

Grades PreK-3 
What are the differences between asteroids, meteors, and meteorites? In this clip from Ready Jet Go!, Jet and the gang travel through the breathtaking Asteroid Belt (with the help of Mrs. Propulsion!). Sean learns that not all asteroids stay in the Belt, and that some actually make their way to Earth. Most of them burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere and turn into meteors in the sky.

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.

Go Beyond: Tools for Observing the Night Sky | Young Explorers

Grades K-5
On a clear night it is possible to see stars, constellations and even planets. Learn more about what you may see by exploring the night sky in the planetarium at the Science Center of Iowa.

Tour of the Galaxy

Grades 3-5
Travel from Earth’s surface to the edge of the Milky Way galaxy to observe the planets and stars and learn about cosmic sizes and relative distances of some objects from Earth. This video and interactive slideshow provide opportunities for students to observe and ask scientific questions about Earth’s place in the galaxy and the major features found within it.

Why Do Astronauts Exercise at Least Two Hours a Day in Space? | Smithsonian Science Starters

Grades 3-8
If you play a sport, you know that staying in shape in the off-season is just as important as it is during the regular season. Just like athletes everywhere, astronauts have to keep in shape both on Earth and in space. Due to the lack of gravity in space, astronauts experience a decrease in muscle mass and bone density. Watch NASA astronaut Randy “Komrade” Bresnik explain the different types of workout equipment and the exercises astronauts use in space. Then, learn how you can create an experiment to simulate the effects of bone loss at home with the help of the STEM in 30 team!

The Rocket – NASA is Born | Space Chase USA

Grades 4-12
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.

How Solar Systems Form

Grades 6-12
Learn how our Sun, the planets, and other solar system bodies came to be with these videos and an infographic from NASA. Use this resource to visualize how the solar system formed and to model and describe the process.

Projects, Games & More

Blast Off With a Pretend Jet Pack

Grades PreK-2
Create hours of adventure and fun with just a few recycled materials by making this jet pack for kids!

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!

DIY Rocket

Grades K-3
Have a blast with this DIY rocket! Construct a rocket out of recycled items and household materials, then count down to your very own liftoff and fly around!

Mindy’s Constellation Exploration

Grades 1-3
Connect the stars together and learn more about constellations from Mindy. Then, let Mindy tell you more about the myths and legends that inspired the constellations in this game from PBS KIDS.

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.

That’s My Theory!

Grades: 9-12
In this interactive game from A Science Odyssey, three renowned scientists answer questions on gravity, time, and matter. Try to determine which of the three is Albert Einstein based on their answers. Their responses reveal, among other things, that theories are written and re-written because new observations often challenge even the most established ideas.

A Summer of Possibilities

Play and learn your way this summer! You can explore and play with your child all season long with a variety of free resources from the PBS LearningMedia Summer Camp and PBS KIDS for Parents collections. Spark curiosity and creativity with hands-on activities, tips, and games around different themes supporting literacy, math, science, and life skills.

Next week were exploring space! Blast off with fun activities the whole family can enjoy in the packets below.

Grades PreK-K

Tune in: Celebrate Family Night and watch Ready Jet Go! at 7 PM on Friday, July 2nd.

Play & Learn: In this packet, there are great, printable summertime activities the whole family can enjoy!

Grades 1-2

Tune in: Celebrate Family Night and watch Ready Jet Go! at 7 PM on Friday, July 2nd.

Play & Learn: In this packet, there are great, printable summertime activities the whole family can enjoy!

For even more games and educational resources for young learners, go to the Exploring Space at Home Collection on PBS Kids for Parents, and the Space Themed Summer Camp Collection on PBS LearningMedia.