Let's explore SPACE! Out-of-this-world activities for parents & kids

#momstownSpace

Kids love space!

You've got the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, spaceships, aliens, exploring..so much to to learn and imagine!

First time parents may be surprised to learn how early children start to understand and get excited about space themes.  And for kids in the PK and older age groups, there are tons of activities and lessons that will help them develop science and discovery skills.

How to start a conversation about Space:

• Ask your kids simple questions about what they know and go from there.
• Look out the window at the night sky and imagine what's up there 
• Read some books together - there are great titles at every age level to help introduce new ideas and topics.
• Plan a discovery activity 

Need a refresher on the facts? 

For parents who want to brush up on their space facts - yes, there are only 8 planets now - you may want to find a book that covers various topics at different levels.

One we've seen with great reviews is National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space.  It starts out with simple concepts and progresses into more advanced learning throughout the book.  Great for a parental brush up, and to age with your kids over coming years.

Awesome Astronauts

This is cool for grownups too - Follow along with Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield's work on the International Space Station - see his pictures from space, learn about his work and discuss all the cool things astronauts see and do.

Follow Col. Hadfield at on Twitter (@Cmdr_Hadfield) and Facebook (Col. Chris Hadfield);  you can also check out more about his missions and other space programs online at the Canadian Space Agency website.

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Activities & Ideas

Here are a couple of ideas about how to have a little space fun and get you started:

1. Floating in Space

Everything is weightless in space, even people.  

Pretend what it would be like to move around in space!   

What would your moonwalk look like?

2. Make an oreo cookie moon!  Separate the layers - full icing is full moon, try making a half moon, quarter moon, etc.

3. Make your own constellation by adding stars to your drawings - try black construction paper and drawing with chalk for a nighttime effect.

4. Learn the Planets 

Coloring sheet here.  

Create A Poster of your Universe - After you've colored your planets, cut them out and stick them on a black poster board to create your universe.  

Add star stickers (or white dots from your hole punch) and even a picture of you exploring space!