General Science Extension Activities Lesson 14
Astronaut Spotlight
Mae Jemison: I Wanted to Go Into Space – 2:41
Mae Jemison describes her journey from a space-loving girl in Chicago to becoming the first woman of color in space. She is a physician, engineer, educator, entrepreneur, and lifelong dancer who now works on the 100 Year Starship project.
Picture Book Reading – Read one of these: Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed or Blast Off into Space Like Mae Jemison by Caroline Moss.
Craft Activities
Make an Astronaut Helmet
Use a paper plate, aluminum foil, a hole punch, and string or ribbon. You may also use permanent markers, stickers, or other decorations. Cut out a hole for seeing through. Punch a hole on each side and tie on string/ribbon long enough to tie behind the head. Cover the plate with glue and aluminum foil, then decorate.
Build Spaceships or Telescopes
Use building blocks to create your own spaceships or telescopes.
Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope for Children – 4:02
Learn about the history, discoveries, and how the Hubble Space Telescope works.
How Hubble Works | Spaced Out – 3:36
Breaks down the inner workings of the Hubble Space Telescope and how it affects the next generation of space telescopes.
Missions to Outer Planets
A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets | Jupiter – 44:50
Take a trip to Jupiter with National Geographic. Learn about the largest planet, its moons, and past missions.
A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets | Saturn – 44:50
Take a trip to Saturn with National Geographic. Learn about the ringed planet, its moons, and missions like Cassini.
Scale Model Activity
Make Your Own Scale Model of Solar System Distances
Create a scale model of the solar system to understand the vast distances between planets.