Fun Space Experiments for Kids (Unit 1)

The big yellow school buses are running full-speed ahead again. Soon, the leaves (at least in the northern hemisphere) will start to change colors. Summer is over and the kids are back at school. Homework is in full swing, too. In fact, your children may soon need your help with a science-fair entry or a show-and-tell project.

Fortunately, CR4 is now a great place to learn about fun space experiments! During my summer internship at the Challenger Learning Center (CLC), I worked with children ages 4 to 11, encouraging their interest in science and outer space. Over the next several weeks, I'll tell you about some of CLC's cool experiments for kids. Many of these activities can also be adapted for other age groups.

This week, I'll present Unit 1 and its four experiments. Then, over the next several weeks, we'll look at additional units and experiments.

Unit 1: Simulate an Astronaut's Space Suit

Experiment 1: Make a Space Helmet

Kids love to dress up as astronauts. So why not have them make space helmets for an imaginary journey? Start by inflating a balloon to a size larger than the child's head. Then cover the balloon in paper mache. Leave the bottom part of the balloon (where the knot is) uncovered since you'll just have to cut it off anyway.

Cover the balloon in paper mache several times. This helmet needs to be sturdy! Then, after the paper mache has dried, pop the balloon. (Warning: If the paper mache is not fully dry, the helmet will cave-in with the popped balloon!) Next, cut the bottom of the paper mache evenly, to a level that can fit easily over the child's head.

Now cut out two eye holes so that your junior astronaut can see. Use a knife to start each hole, and then cut the rest with scissors. Be careful not to collapse the entire helmet! Remember that you're working with paper machine – not polycarbonate. Finally, spray-paint the helmet with white or silver paint. When the paint dries, allow your child to apply their own paint or even stickers.

Congratulations, kids! You're are all now junior astronauts.

Experiment 2: Stay Cool in Space

A space helmet is an important part of an astronaut's gear, but so is a space suit. These complex systems of garments, equipment and environmental systems are designed to keep astronauts alive and comfortable in outer space. In this experiment, kids can learn what it feels like inside an astronaut's liquid cooling garment (LCVG).

Warning: This experiment should be done outside!

First, find two large plastic cups and five to six feet of clean fish-tank hosing. Fill one of the cups ¾-full with chilled water. Then take the fish-tank hose and have the child wrap the middle section around his or her arms, legs, waist, and/or face. Place one end of the hose in the cup of chilled water and set it on a table. Now take the other cup and place it on the ground.

Have the child place the remaining end of the hose in his or her mouth and suck the air out of the tube until the water begins to flow. Then drop the tube into the empty cup on the ground. The water will flow though the tubing, cooling the body parts it comes in contact with. This experiment models how pressure circulates chilled water through tubes in a space suit to keep an astronaut cool.

Experiment 3: Walk Like an Astronaut

You child has worn a space helmet and learned what it feels like to stay cool in outer space. Now it's time for a simulated space walk! The easiest way is to buy a pair of "moon boots" and walk around. Footwear can be expensive, however, so why not use some household items for homemade fun?

First, find two large coffee cans and flip them upside down. Drill two holes near the bottom of each can and run bailing twine through the holes. Be sure to use enough twine so that you child can hold onto the ends. Make sure the knots are tight. Now have your youngster climb aboard and see what it's like to walk in space.

Experiment 4: Maneuver in a Space Suit

An astronaut's space suit is large, so wearing one can make even simple tasks difficult at times. Let's see how well our junior astronauts can maneuver in outer space! For this experiment, you'll need two sections of dryer hose (each several feet long), a large pair of boots, a large pair of thick winter gloves, a pair of goggles (swimming or scientific - whatever you can find), and a motorcycle helmet or the space helmet from Experiment 1 above.

Take the two pieces of dryer hose and cut holes in the top. Attach a string that runs around the child's back to hold it on their arms, much like you would with a pair of mittens. Tell the children that they can not dress themselves, but must instead have help. Now have the children wear the boots, gloves, goggles, and helmets.

Once the children are dressed like astronauts, have them run an obstacle course with activities that would normally be easy. For example, you could have the kids jump over a line, lug a ball on a spoon, or throw bean bags into a hole. Let them see how difficult these simple tasks can be, but how astronauts make it work. This experiment can be made into a relay race or performed as a non-competitive activity.

That's the end of Unit 1. Look for Unit 2 next week, right here on CR4.

CR4 Aerospace Blog