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astronaut

Fascinating and Fun Facts About the Life of an Astronaut (FREE PRINTABLE)

April 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love these fun facts about the life of an astronaut. Grab more ideas on my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

Being an astronaut is no doubt one of the coolest jobs.

They float around spaceships like they’re swimming.

Fascinating and Fun Facts About the Life of an Astronaut (FREE PRINTABLE)

And besides learning about different subjects like math, engineering and science they have to train super hard.

So, their life is anything but ordinary.

Most astronauts have strong backgrounds in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

ASTRONAUT BOOKS

Next, look at these books about astronauts and space.

10 Astronaut Books for Kids Who love to Read and be Read to

Add some of  these books to your reading day or to your home library to learn about astronauts.

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

Travel to space and back with astronaut Chris Hadfield's "enthralling" bestseller as your eye-opening guide (Slate). Colonel Chris Hadfield has spent decades training as an astronaut and has logged nearly 4000 hours in space. During this time he has broken into a Space Station with a Swiss army knife, disposed of a live snake while piloting a plane, and been temporarily blinded while clinging to the exterior of an orbiting spacecraft. The secret to Col. Hadfield's success-and survival-is an unconventional philosophy he learned at NASA: prepare for the worst- and enjoy every moment of it.

Destination Moon: The Spiritual and Scientific Voyage of the Eighth Man to Walk on the Moon

Destination: Moon is the adventurous story of the eighth man to walk on the moon, Colonel Jim Irwin. Discover the rigors of space training and how he almost failed to make the cut. Rejoice with Irwin as he looks back toward Earth and praises the Creator with his moving testimony. Informative and inspiring for all ages. Includes behind-the-scenes stories and many color photos from NASA.

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover))

Simply told, grandly shown, and now with eight additional pages of brand-new art and more in-depth information about the historic moon landing, here is the flight of Apollo 11. Here for a new generation of readers and explorers are the steady astronauts clicking themselves into gloves and helmets, strapping themselves into sideways seats. Here are their great machines in all their detail and monumentality, the ROAR of rockets, and the silence of the Moon. Here is a story of adventure and discovery—a story of leaving and returning during the summer of 1969, and a story of home, seen whole, from far away.

One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong

As a young boy, Neil Armstrong had a recurring dream in which he held his breath and floated high above the people, houses, and cars. He spent his free time reading stacks of flying magazines, building model airplanes, and staring through the homemade telescope mounted on the roof of his neighbor's garage. As a teenager, Neil became obsessed with the idea of flight, working odd jobs to pay for flying lessons at a nearby airport. He earned his student pilot's license on his sixteenth birthday. But who was to know that this shy boy, who also loved books and music, would become the first person to set foot on the moon, on July 20, 1969. Here is the inspiring story of one boy's dream - a dream of flying that landed him more than 200,000 miles away in space, gazing upon the awesome sight of a tiny earth hanging suspended in a perfectly black sky.

Reaching for the Moon

Perfect for the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing in summer 2019!

It’s been fifty years since Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon. But the journey didn’t begin when he stepped on board Apollo 11 that fateful day in July 1969. It began the day he was born.

This picture book is Buzz Aldrin's story, in his words. Wendell Minor's gorgeous paintings evoke the wonder of space exploration for young readers.

Becoming an astronaut took more than education, discipline, and physical strength. It took years of determination and believing that any goal was possible—from riding a bike alone across the George Washington Bridge at age ten to making a footprint on the moon.

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

Did you know that the earth is covered in three trillion trees? And that seven billion people weigh about the same as ten quadrillion ants? Our world is full of constantly changing numbers, from a hundred billion trillion stars in space to thirty-seven billion rabbits on Earth. Can you imagine that many of anything?

The playful illustrations from New York Times–bestselling artist Isabel Greenberg and the friendly, straightforward voice of
author Seth Fishman illuminate some of the biggest numbers in the universe—a hundred billion trillion stars—and the smallest—one unique and special YOU. Here is a book for story time, for science time, for math time, for bedtime, and all the times in between.

A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabet Books)

Winner! 2019 Nebraska Book Award Retired astronaut Clayton Anderson takes readers on an A to Z flight through the alphabet from astronaut and blastoff to spacewalk and Zulu Time. Topics cover the history of NASA, science, and practical aspects of being an astronaut using fun poems for each letter paired with longer expository text in the sidebars. Perfect for science buffs, budding astronauts, and astronomy lovers of all ages.

Curious George and the Rocket

This lively story captures George’s adventure of becoming the first space monkey from the classic Curious George Gets a Medal.

Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon (Mouse Adventures)

But what happened next? Torben Kuhlmann's stunning new book transports readers to the moon and beyond! On the heels of Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse comes Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon—where dreams are determined only by the size of your imagination and the biggest innovators are the smallest of all. The book ends with a brief
non-fiction history of human space travel—from Galileo’s observations concerning the nature of the universe to man's first steps on the moon.

How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity's Greatest Adventure

This beautifully illustrated, oversized guide to the people and technology of the moon landing by award-winning author/illustrator John Rocco (illustrator of the Percy Jackson series) is a must-have for space fans, classrooms, and tech geeks.Everyone knows of Neil Armstrong's famous first steps on the moon. But what did it really take to get us there?

Also, look at these fun facts about thee life of an astronaut.

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE LIFE OF AN ASTRONAUT

  1. They study engineering, science, medicine, and even Russian, since they often work with international space agencies.
  2. Astronauts sleep in sleeping bags attached to the wall so they don’t float away.
  3. Astronauts typically spend 6 months on the International Space Station (ISS).
  4. Microgravity refers to the condition where gravity seems to be very small. In space, astronauts experience microgravity. Their muscles weaken and their bones lose density.
  5. They work and do experiments in space. For example, they fix parts of the space station, explore more about zero gravity and even how plants grow in space.
  6. Food has come a long way. They can choose their food and it’s on a magnetic tray so it doesn’t float away.
  7. They have to exercise daily for about 2 hours since their muscles weaken.
  8. Space walks can be dangerous so astronauts use tethers so they don’t float away.
  9. Even brushing their teeth is an adventure. They can’t let the water float away. So they use little water and swallow the toothpaste.
  10. When returning to earth rehab and recovery are important since it takes astronauts months to adjust to gravity.
Fascinating and Fun Facts About the Life of an Astronaut (FREE PRINTABLE)

Finally, look at this free printable Pioneering Astronauts to learn about Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Sally Ride, Valentina Tereshkova and Chris Hadfield.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PIONEERING ASTRONAUTS PRINTABLE

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: astronaut, astronomy, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

July 1, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making a batch of astronaut ice cream is perfect to go along with a space unit or to celebrate National Moon Day on July 20th. Also, you love my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

National Moon Day was created to commemorate the first time man walked on the moon on July 20, 1969, taken there by Apollo 11.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

You can watch that famous moonwalk Restored Apollo 11 Moonwalk – Original NASA EVA Mission Video – Walking on the Moon on YouTube just as many watched it at home over 50 years ago.

 Six hours after landing on the moon, American Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface. He spent two and a half hours outside the spacecraft.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing

  1. It took the spacecraft 4 days and almost 7 hours to reach the moon from their launch at Kennedy Space Center.
  2. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. He was followed 19 minutes later by Buzz Aldrin.
  3. A fragment of wood and a piece of muslin fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer flew to the moon and back on Apollo 11.
  4. During the mission Buzz Aldrin repaired a broken circuit with a felt tip pen, without his sharp thinking they might have been stranded on the moon.
  5. After returning from the moon Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins had to quarantine for over two weeks because NASA was worried about them being contaminated with dangerous lunar microorganisms.

Be sure to add Who Was Neil Armstrong to your home library for your child to read and learn more about the first man on the moon.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Next, add more astronaut activities.

Explore More Activities To Go Along With Astronaut Ice Cream

  • This Astronaut Paper Plate Craft is such a cute idea to talk about the requirements of the suit and what qualifications astronauts need.
  • Another tasty space recipe- Astronaut Pudding is a great activity.
  • Incorporate some hands-on science with Fizzing Moon Rocks.
  • Dramatic play is such an important part of learning. Learn How to Make an Astronaut Costume that is easy peasy.
  • Teach moon phases with an Oreo Cookie Moon Phases activity that will stick and is also tasty too.

Use Outer Space Toy figures to create and explore in a space themed sensory bin.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

I love this dramatic play idea for a Moon Rock Exploration Station, all you need is a cardboard box and some rubber gloves for your scientist to get started.

Also, you’ll love these books to add to your study about the moon and astronaut ice cream.

12 Resources and Books For Studying About the Moon and Galileo

If you want to focus on the moon in your astronomy and space unit study, add one of these fun resources to your day.

1. Who Was Galileo?

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit!

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

This newly revised edition, available in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, incorporates new, up-to-date information based on recent discoveries, and includes an updated map of the moon's surface. Thoroughly vetted by an astrophysics expert, The Moon Book is a perfect introduction to lunar phases, orbit, the history of space exploration, and more.

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

Sixteenth century Italy produced a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

4. Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book

It’s the perfect light nonfiction book for young stargazers—and an ideal bedtime book, ending with a giant moon hovering over a sleepy town hunkered down for bed.

5. Moon Lamp

Novelty Moon Lighting: Realistic Colorful Star Galaxy printed 🌌 Moon Lamp with advanced 3D technology. Now decorate your bedroom, hall, office or desk with our Space Theme gorgeous Galaxy Lamp. Your guests will definitely admire the beauty of this lively moon light.

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings creates stunning images and protect your eyes. Perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and moon.

7. Jupiter (Planets in Our Solar System)

Everything about Jupiter is big! Its size is big. Even its storms are big! Get the big and small facts about this gas giant that can be seen glowing in the night sky.

8. Galileo Galilei (Genius Series)

Astronomer, physicist, and philosopher Galileo Galilei was referred to as "The Father of Modern Science," because of his groundbreaking research. Making observations about nature, and using mathematics to back them up, he proved the Copernican Theory true: the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe. Join Galileo on his pioneering journey to see why his work had such long-lasting implications, and why the Catholic Church even condemned him for heresy.

9. What the Moon is Like

Imagine that you're walking on the moon. What is it like? For thousands of years people looked up at the moon and wondered about it. Now we know what the moon is like. There is no air on the moon and nothing grows, but there are towering mountains and deep craters—and much more.

Colder than the desert, the hotter than the desert, the moon is an amazing place to explore.

10. A Kite for Moon

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

The story begins when a little boy, who is flying his kite, notices a sad Moon. He sends up kites to her, writing notes promising he will come see her someday. This promise propels him through years of studying, learning, and training to become an astronaut. Until … he finally goes up, up, up in a big rocket ship with a fiery tail.

A Kite for Moon:

  • Features over 20 gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Matt Phelan
  • Is the perfect storybook for children ages 4 to 8
  • Celebrates every child’s fascination with space

11. Large Massive Meteorite Specimen

You could also grab these meteorite specimens (artificial) to let your child use for impact craters!

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

More Space and Astronomy Activities

Additionally, add some of these fun space and astronomy activities.

  • About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study
  • Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket
  • Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages
  • Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
  • Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)

Also, add this fun astronomy lapbook for multiple ages.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
  • Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Finally, look how to make this easy fun astronaut ice cream.

Fun Facts about Astronaut Ice Cream

Now onto the yummy ice cream that you can take anywhere, even on a picnic without worry of it melting.

It is super easy to customize in fun flavors and colors, no plain vanilla here, unless that’s your thing.

Because most of us don’t have the space or the money to keep a big freeze-drying machine on hand, we are going to make a faux astronaut ice cream.

But, don’t worry it is pretty close to the same flavor and texture as the little packages you can buy but much easier to produce.

Basically, these are baked meringues. They can be flavored just about any way you like.

Astronaut ice cream was originally created in 1968 and was first taken and eaten in space on Apollo 7.

But, it wasn’t a big hit with the crew because it was too dry and made a crumbly mess so it never went up again, yet it is still popular at space museums and space centers.

It is really a fun novelty for kids to enjoy and opens the door for discussions on what type of food can be packed and eaten in space.

“’Shoot for the moon; you might get there.”- Buzz Aldrin

How to Make Astronaut Ice Cream

You will need:

  • 6 large egg whites, room temp
  • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • Flavored extract or flavoring oil drops
5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Separate the eggs and add just the whites to a large mixing bowl.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Beat until they start to foam up.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Mix in the cream of tartar and whip for several minutes until soft peaks are formed.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Now add your sugar a little bit at a time until it is incorporated.

Mix in the flavoring, if using mild extracts like cake batter, vanilla, etc. you want about 1 Tablespoon. Peppermint extract is much stronger, and 1 teaspoon is plenty.

Whip until stiff peaks form, you will know when you are at this stage if you pull the beater out and the peaks stay straight up instead of falling over, this usually takes about 7-8 minutes of beating on high.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

If you wanted, you could also add food coloring to match the flavors.

You can either place scoops on a parchment paper lined sheet

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Or smooth it into silicone molds to get something a little closer to the look of the typical block of astronaut ice cream.

I used these molds that we have also used to make soap in the past, do not spray with nonstick cooking oil or the bottom will stay soggy.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Bake for 2 hours.

Allow to cool and remove from the pan.

This is how they should look, completely dried all the way through the center. If you test one and it’s still a bit wet let them sit in the warm oven a little longer.

I like to serve them wrapped up in aluminum foil, it feels kinda space themed that way.

5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: astronaut, astronomy, earth science, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, moon, science, space

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