There are a variety of space related science experiments for elementary students. In this article I have shared some of the projects and experiments I have found and used from online. To learn more about each one, simply click on the title for each activity.
As a homeschooling parent and teacher, I have found that most students learn better when they have hands-on activities and experiments. We can give them lectures on topics and have them read lessons, but it when they put the knowledge to use that they tend to retain what they have learned. Experiments and activities also give them critical thinking skills that also help them retain what they have read or heard.
Make a Simple Telescope
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/articles/telescope-optical-science-project.html
Students will have fun building their own telescope to get a better view of the Moon and other objects in space.
Making a Simple Astrolabe
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/activity_07.html
An astrolabe is a device used in measuring altitude. This includes the height of objects in the sky. This activity includes a pattern to make your own astrolabe.
Making a Crater
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/articles/make-a-crater.html
This is a great experiment for students to learn how the impact of meteorites can effect the Earth, other planets and their moons.
Collect Meteorites
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/articles/collect-meteorites.html
Meteorites fall to Earth everyday but most are mistaken for small rocks. In this activity, you will learn how to find and identify small meteorites.
Summer Stargazing
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/articles/summer-stargazing-tips.html
Summer is a great time to go stargazing. Plan a family night out away from the city lights and teach your children how to recognize constellations, planets, meteorites, and more.
How to Make a Model of Saturn
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/saturn_model.pdf
This is a great hands-on activity for younger kids. NASA has a great webpage to go along with the activity. To learn more about Saturn, go to http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/cassini_make3.shtml
Make a Star Finder
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/st6starfinder/st6starfinder.shtml
NASA has given a pattern available for print out to help you and your child learn more about constellations. There is a pattern for each month.
Test a New Spacecraft Material
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/nmp_action.shtml
This experiment will require adult assistance. It helps students determine what material may or may not be good to use for fuel tanks in spacecrafts.
Launch a “Rocket” from a Spinning “Planet”
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/ds1_mgr.shtml
This experiment helps student understand why timing is everything when it comes to launching rockets into space.
Build a Bubble Powered Rocket
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/rocket.pdf
Here is another experiment that will need constant adult supervision and safety gear. Students will be able to build and launch their own rocket. They learn how this simple activity fuels the life size rockets today.
Colors of Stars
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/cookies.shtml
Not many students realize that stars aren’t always white. This is fun activity to do while learning about the various colors and shapes of actual stars and why the colors occur.
Imagine Yourself on Mars
http://www.exploratorium.edu/mars/teachers/onmars.html
In this science experiment, the student will learn the effect of lower atmospheric pressure on water that might exist on Mars.
Martian Calendar and Clock
http://www.exo.net/~pauld/activities/astronomy/mars/marscalendarclock2.html
Here the student will learn how to calculate a calendar and a clock for Mars. This is best for 4th and 5th graders.
More Moon Related Activities
http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/Chap6/Chapter6.html#otm
There are six activities to help students learn more about the moon. What is great about this page is it gives the student and entire lesson to go along with the activities.
The Earth’s Orbit
http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/Chap2/Chapter2.html#oots
Again another place to go that includes several activities and lessons for student to learn about the Earth’s orbit.
The Earth’s Rotation
http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/Chap1/Chapter1.html#oots
Here are nine activities to aid students in learning more about how the Earth’s rotation effects measuring time and more.
The Solar System
http://hea-www.harvard.edu/ECT/the_book/Chap5/Chapter5.html
This website has seventeen activities along with lessons for students to learn more about the solar system.
Even More Science Experiments
http://www.helium.com/items/1322639-science-experiments-on-space?page=2
Here are some experiments focused toward 3rd and 4th graders.
