astronomy

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

November 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This mini solar system activity is such a fun hand-on idea for multiple ages. Also, look at my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more great ideas.

Especially if you have hands-on learners and minimal space in your home this is the perfect sized activity.

Besides this mini solar system sensory bottles activity is a fun and educational project that combines art, science, and sensory play.

How to Make Mini Solar System Activity Sensory Bottles

Anyone fascinated by space will love how the bottles visually represent the planets, moon, stars and sun.

And besides learning facts about the planets, you can expand this hands-on activity.

For example, have your child put the planets in order from the sun.

Also, you can have your child put them in order from the smallest to biggest.

And sort the planets by which ones have fewer moons and which one has less moons.

BOOKS ABOUT ASTRONOMY FOR KIDS

Also, look at some of these books about space, the planets and our solar system.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.

The Planets

With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.

New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Where Is Our Solar System?

Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun.

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe.

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed.

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

Next, look at a few other hands on solar system and space activities.

MORE SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Then, look at these quick facts about our solar system.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FOR KIDS

Sun – The Sun is a large ball of hot, burning gases, mostly made up of hydrogen and helium. It is the center of our universe.

Mercury – Mercury is the hottest and coldest planet. It is the planet closest to the Sun but can’t trap heat. So during the day it’s super hot and at night it’s freezing cold. It’s also the smallest planet.

Venus – It is similar to earth in size and shape and sometimes called Earth’s twin. It has no moons and rotates backwards.

Earth – The only planet known to have life. It has the perfect balance of air, temperature, and water to sustain. It’s also called the Blue because a large amount of water covers the earth.

FACTS ABOUT THE 8 PLANETS

Mars – Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface is covered in rusty red colored rocks. Also, Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system. It is the Olympus Mons which three times as high as

Jupiter – Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has many moons – at least 79. It does not have a solid surface like Earth but is gas giant.

Saturn – Saturn is the second largest planet and it is famous for its amazing rings. The rings are made of rock, dust and ice. It too is a gas giant and does not have a solid surface like Earth.

Uranus – Uranus is a giant ice and one cool fact is that it spins on its side unlike the other planets which spin upright.

Neptune – Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun and it is has the fastest winds in the Solar System. It has at least 14 moons.

Moon – Our moon is Earth’s only moon and it is the only natural satellite of Earth. It goes through phases from new to full moon as it orbits earth.

Galaxy – Galaxies can take many shapes. For example, there are spirals and elliptical. Our Solar System is part of the Milky Way Galaxy. And a galaxy is basically a group or cluster of stars, gas and matter that are held together by gravity.

Stars – A star is a giant ball of hot, glowing gases. Our Sun is a star and it is the center of our universe and they come in many different colors.

Finally, look at how to make these mini solar system activity sensory bottles.

MINI SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVITY SENSORY BOTTLES

Here is a list of supplies:

(12) 80ml (2.7 oz / ⅓ C) plastic bottle with tight-fitting lids
Water
Clear school glue
Small funnel (optional)
Glitter *see list below (I know, I know, but it really makes a difference here.)
Alphabet stickers

Apply stickers to each bottle spelling out:

Sun, Moon, Galaxy, Stars, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Add water to each bottle, filling them about ¾ of the way.

Fill each bottle to the neck with clear glue, leaving room for the glitter.

Add glitter to each mini sensory bottle until all 12 colors are complete.

Close the top tightly.

Shake and enjoy.

Also, look at this list of colors we went with for the glitter.

Sun: yellow
Moon: light and dark gray
Galaxy: black, purple, and gray
Stars: gray and star confetti
Mercury: silver
Venus: red and orange
Earth: blue and green
Mars: red
Jupiter: brown and gold
Saturn: yellow and gold
Uranus: light blue and silver
Neptune: dark blue and light blue

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

September 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re creating a stunning night sky paper roll display. Also, look at my post Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages for more fun ideas,

It can be a different scene every time you make it.

But not only are we going to make a beautiful piece of art, we are going to embark on a journey through the night sky,

We’re uncovering some of the most fascinating objects that can be seen with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars.

I have lots of great information to share with you as well as.

How to Create A Stunning Night Sky Paper Roll Display

Too, I have a few resources.

Add them to your night sky study and make it a fascinating launch into all things space (from our view here on earth).

As you step outside on a clear night, the first thing you’ll notice is the multitude of stars twinkling above you.

Some stars, like our own Sun, shine with a steady golden light.

Others may appear red, blue, or even green due to their different temperatures and compositions.

If you look out past the stars, you will encounter the planets.

Some of the planets in our solar system that you can sometimes view with the naked eye include Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

And occasionally you can view Uranus if you have sharp eyes.

Books About the Moon For Kids

First, look at some of these fun books about the moon.

Add them to you home library and read aloud to your kids as they do this fun craft.

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.

Exploring the Night Sky

Each planet has its own distinct characteristics.

For example, the rings of Saturn, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, or the methane haze surrounding Neptune, make them fun and easy to recreate.

In the sky we see vast collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Our own Milky Way galaxy is a spiral galaxy, with a bright center surrounded by spiral arms that stretch across the sky.

Other galaxies, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, are visible to the naked eye on dark nights.

Nebulae, ethereal clouds of gas and dust, are another captivating sight in the night sky.

Some nebulae, like the Orion Nebula, are so bright and colorful that they can be seen with the naked eye.

Other nebulae, such as the Horsehead Nebula, require a telescope to reveal their intricate shapes and glowing tendrils.

In addition to these amazing sights, we can view meteor showers, which are caused by debris from comets or asteroids entering Earth’s atmosphere.

They can produce streaks of light across the sky.

Eclipses, which occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun (solar eclipse) or the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun (lunar eclipse).

Exploring the night sky is not only a fun and educational activity but also a profound experience.

It reminds us of our place in the vastness of the universe and inspires us to dream and wonder about the mysteries that lie beyond our reach.

So, next time you find yourself under a clear night sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos that surrounds us.

To bring that beauty a little closer we are going to create a project to model the night sky with any and all of these sights that you want to include.

Imagine you are standing in your backyard or better yet a big field with no streetlights to dim your view.

What would you see if you looked up? What would you like to be able to see? We are going to create that view on paper.

Night Sky Paper Roll Resources

These resources will come in handy before, after, and during your craft project.

10 Moon Craft Ideas and Wrapped Crescent Moon Craft For Kids
Starry Night Sky Game
Watch this beautiful Night Sky Time Lapse that was recorded in Mount Rainier National Park for inspiration.
Free Moon Journal For Homeschool Science
5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream
Exploring The Night Sky
Geronimo Stilton Theme Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages
Galileo Discovery of Jupiter Moons and Fun Hands-On Moon Crater Experiment
Grab a Telescope for your budding astronomer to take a closer look at more of the stunning display in the sky.

Finally, look at how to make a fun night sky paper roll.

Night Sky Paper Roll Display

The wonderful thing about this project is that it is adaptable for kids of all ages and abilities from the scribbling 2-year-old to the artistic 16-year-old.

You will need:

Black paper roll
Craft paint
Paint pens
Paintbrushes
Old toothbrush
Various sized lids

For this craft you want to cover your work surface well.

A disposable tablecloth from Dollar Tree works great for protection of your table and for easy clean up.

Once your work surface is protected, roll out a piece of black paper however long you would like it to be.

A good 2’ gives you plenty of space for your night sky.

Gather supplies-paint, a variety of paintbrushes, and several sizes of lids or a circle stamp.

Start by painting a big round moon where you would like it to be on your paper.

Night Sky Paper Craft

Use your fingers, brushes, or sponges to lay the paint on thick and create texture so it appears to have craters.

Next, we are going to use paintbrushes, or a toothbrush works wonderfully to create stars all over our night sky.

Load either one up with paint and then tap against your hand to create a splatter.

Continue moving to cover the page with various sized splatters.

When you are satisfied with your stars it’s time to create whatever planets you would like.

To do this and give variations to the colors put paint in 2-3 shades on your plastic or a paper plate and stamp a lid into it

Transfer to the paper and stamp firmly onto it.

You can also paint directly onto the lid like I did here with ‘Mercury’ and then stamp it on the paper.

To make some planets appear closer use larger lids and for those farther away use smaller ones.

Create star clusters or the milky way by splattering paint closer together or using loose bristled brushes.

By this point your light spatters will probably be mostly dry but the thicker planets may still be wet.

Once everything is dry you can go back in with paint markers or a small, tipped paintbrush.

Add more defined shapes and details like Saturn’s rings.

Hang it up and admire your handiwork night or day.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

November 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re creating puffy paint planets as we learn a little bit more about the 8 wonders that make up our solar system. You’ll love the free planet notebooking pages too. Grab more ideas on my page Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

There is so much about the vast solar system that we still do not know.

Take your aspiring astronomer on a journey to discover each planet with crafts, facts, and activities that will keep their hands busy, and minds engaged.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets And Free Notebooking Pages

These puffy paint planets are a fun way to learn about the planets, their size, and their relation to one another as well as their general makeup.

They can be painted to look as our planets appear and you can customize them to any size you like.

Free Planets Notebooking Pages

Also, I have a fantastic set of free notebooking pages that you can also use as a template to create them.

These are handy for your child to list facts about each planet as you cover it in your lessons.

And I have included some fun facts for you to grab as well.

However, in honor of Red Planet Day on November 28th I have some interesting facts for you all about the planet Mars.

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.

There is a very handy mnemonic device that you can use to memorize the order of the planets-Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Next, look at some of these books that you’ll want to add to your reading list.

I lean toward living books first, then reference books for reading.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Where Is Our Solar System?

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

Also, here are some facts that your child can use to add to the notebooking pages.

Facts About the Planets for Kids

Mercury

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, and it is only slightly larger than Earth’s Moon.
It is the closest planet to the sun but is not the hottest, strangely enough that record goes to Venus, but it does have the largest temperature fluctuations in the solar system.
Mercury’s craters are named after famous artists and writers, there is even one named Geisel after Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel).

Venus

Venus is the second brightest natural object in our night sky after the Moon.
Venus spins clockwise on its axis, unlike all the other planets in our solar system that spin counterclockwise.
Astronomers believe that at some point Venus collided with a celestial body and tilted Venus so far off its original position that it is now upside down.

Earth

The surface of the Earth is mainly water, about 71% and almost 97% of that is in the oceans.
It is estimated that you could fit 1 million Earths inside of the sun.
Our atmosphere is made up of gases- nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. What we commonly refer to as air.

Mars

Mars is called the “Red Planet” because when seen in the night sky it seems to glow faintly reddish/orange. The reddish-orange color is due to all the iron minerals and dust on its surface.
While humans have not been to Mars there have been 9 successful landings -Viking 1 and Viking 2, Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity, Phoenix, Curiosity, InSight, and Perseverance.
Mars is one of the easiest planets that you can spot in the night sky, it looks like a bright red point.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, it is more than twice as big as all the other planets put together.
The “stripes” on Jupiter are cold, windy clouds made up of ammonia and water.
Jupiter was named by ancient astronomers for the Roman ruler of the gods and heavens.

Saturn

Saturn is not the only planet to have rings, but is the most well known for it due to the size and complexity of its rings, made up of a glittering array of bits of asteroids and comets.
Saturn is the only planet in our solar system that is less dense than water, so that means that if it fit in your pool it would float.
It has more moons than any other planet in the Solar System with 82 confirmed moons.

Uranus

Uranus spins on its side and rolls around the sun like a big blue ball.
One year on Uranus is 21 Earth years long, that’s a long wait for a day!
It was the first planet to be found through a telescope in 1781 by an astronomer named William Herschel, but he originally believed it to be either a comet or a star.

Neptune

Neptune has six rings and 13 confirmed moons.
Neptune is more than 30 times as far from the Sun as Earth
This planet is an ice giant. Meaning that it is a giant planet made up of dense “icy” materials-water, methane, and ammonia, with a small rocky core.

Finally, look at how to make puffy paint planets.

How To Make Puffy Paint Planets

You will need:

School glue
Craft paints
Dish soap
Paintbrushes
Gallon ziplock bag
Notebooking pages

First, the dish soap gives these puffy paint planets’ window clings a little flexibility and helps them adhere to the window.

Print the notebooking pages at whatever size you would like to make your window clings.

I printed mine 4 sheets per page and felt like that was a great size.

Slip the page inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag, you may need to trim some of the paper away to make it fit.

Combine 1 tablespoon of glue, a drop or two of dish soap, and enough paint to get it the color you want it for each color that you want to make. Stir to combine everything well.

Now you don’t have to outline the planets but it really makes them pop if you do.

To do this I add black paint and a couple drops of dish soap to a bottle of white school glue that is about half full and shake it really well until everything is mixed.

DIY Puffy Paint Planets For Kids

Then use the tip of the bottle to “draw” an outline around each of your planets. Allow it to dry partially before you move to the next step.

Use a paintbrush to fill in the inside of each of your planets with a thick layer of paint.

You do not want it thin, and it should touch all the edges so that it is sturdy and does not tear. Fill in each planet.

Allow it to dry overnight.

Carefully peel off each of your window clings and they are ready to hang up.

If they need a little refreshing, you can swish them around in a bit of soap water for just a second and they will stick right to the window.

How to Get the Free Printable Planets Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the free printable. This is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

And it’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

► 1) Sign up on my list.
► 2) Go to your inbox and confirm your email from the automatic reply I sent you. If you’re already a confirmed subscriber, you will not have to do this. You’ll receive the freebie instantly.
►3) Last step. look for my reply AFTER you’ve confirmed your email.

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

It took the spacecraft 4 days and almost 7 hours to reach the moon from their launch at Kennedy Space Center.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. He was followed 19 minutes later by Buzz Aldrin.
A fragment of wood and a piece of muslin fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer flew to the moon and back on Apollo 11.
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.
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.

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.

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?

2. The Moon Book (New & Updated Edition)

3. Galileo and the Magic Numbers

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

6. Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners

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)

9. What the Moon is Like

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

10. A Kite for Moon

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)

More Space and Astronomy Activities

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

Also, add this fun 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

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

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

Beat until they start to foam up.

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

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.

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

You can either place scoops on a parchment paper lined sheet

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.

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.

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

June 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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We’ll be learning about meteors, meteorites, comets, and meteoroids today and making a fun windsock. Also, you’ll love my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

I have a cool space-themed craft.

We are creating a fun meteor windsock which can be used indoors or out.

This simple craft is a great way to introduce meteors, what they are, how they form, what they look like, and more.

As you create it together you can talk about facts, watch a video on meteors, or look for inspiration in your favorite book.

Before we jump into the craft let’s learn a bit more about what meteors are and what they aren’t.

Did you know that meteoroids, meteorites, and meteors are all the same things?

Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today And Make a Fun Windsock

These are just different classifications that tell us about their position.

A meteoroid is a small body moving in the solar system that will become a meteor if it enters the earth’s atmosphere.
A meteor is a streak of light in the sky caused by a meteoroid passing through earth’s atmosphere.
A meteorite is a small asteroid that has survived its passage through the planet’s atmosphere.

Asteroid or Meteor? If it is larger than 1 meter/3.2 feet in diameter, it is an asteroid. If it is 2 millimeters/.0078 inches to 1 meter/3.2 feet in size, then it is a meteoroid.

Comet or Meteor? A comet is a ball of ice and dust that orbits around the sun. A meteoroid is a small piece of an asteroid or a comet.

Meteor Shower- A meteor shower is what we call when a lot of meteors enter the atmosphere during a short period of time.

Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through the debris field of a comet or asteroid as these objects make their way around the sun and they drop smaller pieces along the way.

This is why scientists can generally predict known meteors around the same time each calendar year.

7 Interesting Facts About Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comets

Meteors don’t have tails like comets. What you may see trailing behind is either a plasma trail or a dust tail.
About 40 meteorite craters have been found on earth by scientists which are 12 miles in diameter or larger.
Meteors are commonly called falling stars or shooting stars.
Most asteroids orbit the sun in the area between Mars and Jupiter. This is called the asteroid belt.
As comets orbit far from the sun, they travel at about 2,000 miles per hour. As they get closer to the sun, the speed increases- as fast as 100,000 miles per hour.
More than 150 asteroids are known to have moons.
Earth’s moon, Mars, and Mercury are covered with round impact craters from asteroid and meteor impacts.

Next, look at these meteorite activities.

Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comet Activities

Watch What is a Meteor? Are Meteors The Same As Shooting Stars ? on Youtube.
Or look at Learn Brights Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors | Learn all about what they are made of and how they differ.
This Burning Asteroid Craft is a great simple craft for younger learners.
Work on preschoolers’ gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination with Asteroid Toss.
A Glow in the Dark Comet project is a great way to illustrate the comet hurtling through space.
I love to get out and actually experience as much as I can with kids. Here is a great post on How to Watch a Meteor Shower With Your Kids.

Moreover, look at my astronomy ideas below.

More Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today

Look at some of these crafts about astronomy and space to go along with this study today.

And add my space lapbook for a fun unit study.

It’s created for kids of multiple ages.

Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages
$4.00 Add to cart

In addition, look at some of these books about astronomy.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Where Is Our Solar System?

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

How to Make Meteor Windsock

You want to go with the larger sheets of craft foam, like the 9×12, for this project so you have long trailing tails on the end.

You will need:

Craft foam
Hot glue
Scissors
School glue
Hole punch
Chenille stems
String
Glitter
Glue gun/sticks

First, cut a piece of dark blue craft foam so that it is roughly 9×6 to represent the night sky.

With school glue “draw” stars, a milky way, or whatever you want on the sky.

Sprinkle with glitter and press into the glue gently. Set aside to dry.

Cut a large rocky meteor out of black or grey foam, draw with the glue, and add glitter to your meteor also if you wish.

Allow all the glue to dry completely.

While your glue is drying cut long streamers, to give the impression of the plasma trail of the comet. You want these fairly thin, so they are more flexible and move with the breeze.

Once the glue is dry, attach the meteor to the sky, I recommend a glue gun to fix it more permanently, take care not to touch the hot metal end directly to the foam.

Cut up smaller pieces of chenille stems to add to your meteor and tuck them under the edge as if they are trailing behind.

Give it a couple of minutes for the hot glue to set completely.

Punch a hole through either end and the center of the top of the blue section (sky).

Flip over the piece and hot glue down the streamers all along the bottom. Wait 2 minutes for the glue to set.

Carefully roll the entire thing and hot glue the ends together, hold them into place, or clamp them with clothespins until hardened.

astronomy

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Explore More Activities To Go Along With Astronaut Ice Cream

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Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

Fun Facts about Astronaut Ice Cream

How to Make Astronaut Ice Cream

7 Interesting Facts About Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comets

Meteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids, and Comet Activities

More Meteors, Meteorites, Comets and Meteoroids Today

Dynamic Astronomy Lapbook for Multiple Ages

How to Make Meteor Windsock

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