Activity Set- Rockets
I would Read the book Aliens in Underpants Save the World to introduce the concept of space exploration and rockets in a fun and playful way. I would discuss with the children the idea of space travel and how rockets help us explore beyond Earth. I would show pictures of different types of rockets (e.g., space shuttle, Saturn V) and discuss their shapes, sizes, and purposes.
I would then look at the comic strip of Marvin and Milo building their Penny Rocket and the YouTube video of the Mouse Rocket. I would ask the children which rocket design they think will work better and why. Which rocket will go the farthest? I would encourage critical thinking and discussion. I would divide the children into groups and provide each group with an empty milk carton, paper for the mouse head, coins, and an empty 2L bottle to create their own Penny or Mouse Rockets.
I would get each group to predict which rocket design they think will fly higher or farther. They would then launch the rockets in an open space and mark where each rocket lands. Then we would discuss the outcome compared to the predictions.
Finally, I would link to other subjects:
– Math: How many foot spans long did each rocket launch.
– Art: Encourage children to create space-themed artwork inspired by their rocket experiment.
– Writing: Write about rockets and space exploration.
– Aistear: Role Play/Construction/Small World