Here are some activities that could be used for a Space Week. I have tried to integrate SESE, art, literacy, and music.
Day 1: Introduction to Space
Teacher can utilise the mind map idea or KWL chart for focus activity.
Teacher can show a short video about space exploration from the ESA website.
Song: Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra could be played on this day as a nice link.
Class can create a solar system model using craft materials. Students can use polystyrene balls, paint, and string to create a 3D model of the solar system. Children Discuss can visit the library where they can go on a book hunt for space reading materials.These can be displayed in class for the week.They can uses class ipads to research the planets, for example their order, and one interesting fact about each. Results can be recorded in booklet to be kept for rest of week for personal fact Book.
ESA’s Planetary Science page can be used as a supporting resourse.
Spaceplace.nasa.gov also.
“Space Maths” – Calculate the distances between planets using a scaled-down version of the solar system. Convert distances into smaller units and create a chart.
For example. Many activities can be adapted to support space theme.
Read aloud “The Skies Above My Eyes” by Charlotte Guillain
Day 2: Astronaut Adventures
Class Activity
The class can write a diary entry/postcard/text message/email as an astronaut exploring a new planet. Students can imagine what they see, feel, and experience.
Class can research and explore about Earth’s atmosphere and how it compares to other planets. Discussion can explore what makes Earth habitable. ESA website’s educational resources on the Earth’s atmosphere can be used here.
Picture The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield is a lovely resourse that can be used as a stimulus
Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet
Day 3: To Infinity and Beyond
Class or groups can create a space-themed mural. Use different art materials (paint, collage, chalk) to create a large mural/group murals in the school corridor depicting galaxies, planets, and stars.
Activity: Learn and sing songs related to space.
Some Suggested Songs:
“The Planets Song” (to learn the order of the planets)
“Rocket Ship Run” by Laurie Berkner
“Space Oddity” (simplified version) by David Bowie
Children can create movement to songs
Revetment By Elton John
Reading Aloud
Book: “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe
Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet
Day 4: Space Explorers
Research famous astronauts (e.g., Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mae Jemison, Yuri Gagarin). Students can work in pairs to create a mini-poster about one astronaut and present it to the class.
Children can role-play as astronauts preparing for a space mission. Students can act out scenes of preparing for a launch, floating in space, and landing back on Earth.
Picture Book Reading aloud:
“Look Up!” by Nathan Bryon
Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet.
Day 5:Reflection
Have a virtual tour of space. Use the ESA website to explore different missions.
Use Resource ESA Virtual Tours and Space Exploration resources.
Games – Have some a fun activires for eg a quiz based on everything learned during the week or bingo on space oral language.
Conduct experiment on rocket launching- mice rockets
Picture Book Reading:
“How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers
Children can share highlights from the week via booklet or can showcase their art, diaries, and posters.
End with a sing-along to one of the space songs learned during the week. Or children can create own rap to the weeks work.