World Space Week, celebrated every year from October 4th to 10th, is the largest space-related event on Earth. With a new theme each year, it’s designed to inspire curiosity about space and celebrate the contributions of science and technology to the exploration of the universe. Space Week offers a fantastic opportunity for children to explore the wonders of the cosmos while building a deeper connection to their world and beyond. Through hands-on, creative activities, we can foster imagination, problem-solving skills, and a sense of awe for the universe.
1. Planet Walk: Scale Model of the Solar System
Create a scale model of the solar system outdoors, using different points in the playground or garden to represent each planet. Assign each planet a child or group and have them stand at the correct scaled distance from the “sun.” Discuss how vast space is and how tiny Earth is compared to the rest of the solar system. To make this easier, I have popped a lesson for it below.
As adults, we know the solar system is vast and, I am happy to admit, I can struggle to grasp how vast. This activity helps children grasp the immense scale of the solar system and it often sparks curiosity about planets and space exploration.
2. Starry Night Art
Have children create their own versions of a starry night using black paper and metallic markers or paint. They can draw constellations, planets, and even imaginary worlds. Encourage them to think about what they might see if they looked up at the night sky from another planet.
Connection Tip: Share stories from different cultures about constellations and how they used the stars for navigation and storytelling.
3. Design a Space Habitat
Challenge children to design their own space habitat. Provide craft materials like cardboard, paper, and markers, and ask them to think about what humans would need to live on another planet. They can present their habitats to the group, explaining their designs and how they would work.
This is creative problem-solving and design thinking and encourages children to think about what life beyond Earth might be like.
4. Cosmic Nature Walk
Even though we’re exploring space, it’s important to stay connected to Earth! Take children on a nature walk at night (or in the evening, if possible) to observe the stars and moon. Provide simple stargazing guides to help them identify what they see.
This encourages mindfulness and observation and helps build a connection between Earth and the wider universe.
5. Rocket Launch Experiment
Help children make simple rockets using empty film canisters, baking soda, and vinegar. Let them experiment with different amounts of fuel to see how high their rockets can fly. Use this as a starting point to talk about how rockets work and the science behind space travel.
This is a fun hands-on science experiment that’s engaging and helps teach the basic principles of chemistry and physics.
Additional Activities
- Create constellation viewers: Use cardboard tubes and pinholes to project constellations onto a surface.
- Meteor hunt: Collect small stones and pretend they’re meteorites, then discuss how real meteors burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Moon phase tracker: Have children observe and record the moon phases over a week.
- Space-themed relay: Set up a fun relay race where children pretend to be astronauts completing space missions.
- Galaxy in a jar: Make swirling jars filled with glitter, water, and food colouring to represent galaxies.
Why Space Matters
Space exploration has not only expanded our understanding of the universe but also deepened our appreciation for Earth. By looking outward, we learn more about how our planet formed, what makes life possible, and how interconnected everything is. Engaging children in space-related activities helps them develop a sense of wonder, encourages scientific thinking, and fosters a desire to protect our own world.
This World Space Week, let’s ignite children’s imaginations and help them explore the cosmos while staying grounded in the importance of connection—both to each other and to our planet. Whether they’re building space habitats, launching rockets, or simply gazing at the stars, every activity offers a chance to dream big and learn something new.
