Online tools and resources
Use ESA Kids’ website for videos, interactive games, and printable resources. There are lots of visual aids like pictures, videos, and models to keep the children engaged.
Parents can encouraged to visit the ESA Kids website with their children at home by send home a QR code or note with site details.
Through this site the class can cearn about Earth observation from space and why it is important.
Earth Observation Game: Use an interactive game from ESA Kids that shows Earth from space.
Mapping Activity: Children can create a simple map of the Earth as seen from space.
Class can have a discussion on how satellites help us protect the environment (e.g., monitoring deforestation, climate change).
Another great lesson from this allowd the children to learn and understand what it’s like to live in space and how astronauts adapt to the space environment.
Teacger can Show a video from ESA Kids on how astronauts eat, sleep, and live on the ISS.
Class Discussion where children Talk about how life in space is different from life on Earth.
Have children role-play different daily activities as if they were in space (e.g., floating, eating food from a pouch, drinking, sleeping etc.
Here are some ideas from the UNAWE (Universe Awareness) international educational programmr which introduces young children, to the wonders of the universe. The site allows the teacher to create engaging, age-appropriate activities that spark their interest in astronomy and science. For example
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Constellation Art would be a lovy way to introduce the concept of simple constellations
The class can Use star stickers or glitter to create constellations on black construction paper. Teacher can first show them famous constellations like the Big Dipper and then let them create their own. This could be an open medium activiity where the class could choose their own method of representation of the constellations
Space-Themed Show and Tell where the class can explore a space-related topic of their choice. Each child will bring in an item related to space (a book, a model, a toy) and shares why they think it is interesting.
Rocket Launch Simulation is a fun way to learn about rockets and space travel. The chilren will create simple paper rockets and have a “launch day” where students “launch” their rockets by blowing through straws or using bottles. Discuss how rockets work and what they are used for.
Another site that had many great resourse for children parents and educators I discovered was https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/. It was very user friendly too.