Build your own model of the Aquarius Reef Base, inspired by Indigenous astronaut John Herrington. John Herrington was the first American Indigenous person in space, and also spent 10 days living and working underwater on the Aquarius Reef Base. Find out how to make a model of the Aquarius Reef Base from simple supplies. We love fun, hands-on STEM projects for kids!

AQUARIUS REEF BASE MODEL FOR KIDS

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WHO IS JOHN HERRINGTON?

John Herrington is a retired United States Naval Aviator, engineer, and former NASA astronaut. In 2002, Herrington became the first Native American in space. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, Herrington carried its flag on his 13 day trip to space, as well as a traditional flute.

Check out more Indigenous Peoples Activities for kids!

NEEMO

NEEMO stands for NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations and is a mission that sends groups of astronauts, engineers, and scientists to live in an underwater laboratory called Aquarius.

The Aquarius Reef Base is the world’s only undersea research station, where the crew lives for up to three weeks at a time in preparation for future space missions.

The Aquarius Reef Base is located 5.4 miles (9 kilometers) off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is situated on the ocean floor 62 feet (19 meters) below the surface next to deep coral reefs.

In 2004, John Herrington served as the commander of the NEEMO 6 mission aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory, living and working underwater for ten days.

Build your own Aquarius Reef Base from simple supplies for a fun STEM project.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR PRINTABLE BUILDING PROJECT!

BUILD AN AQUARIUS REEF BASE

SUPPLIES:

  • Plastic bottle
  • Yellow paint
  • Paper plates
  • Glue sticks
  • Tape
  • Sticker templates

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Paint your bottle yellow and let dry.

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STEP 2: Roll two paper plates into tubes and tape.

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Cut both in half so you have four tubes and paint.

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STEP 3: Paint four glue sticks yellow and let dry.

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STEP 4: Using tape, attach your tube to your glue sticks to form a square.

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STEP 5: Print out the sticker logos and tape to your bottle.

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STEP 6: Place the bottle onto your square frame.

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MORE FUN THINGS TO BUILD

Pair this Aquarius Reef project with more accessible and hands-on space activities for kids.

Build a space shuttle from simple supplies.

Build your own satellite and learn about scientist, Evelyn Boyd Granville.

Build a simple solar system model.

Learn about the constellations you can see in the night sky with these constellation activities.

Create your own DIY planetarium from a few simple supplies and explore the night sky.

Build a lunar lander inspired by scientist, Katherine Johnson.

Printable Inventors/Scientists Pack

Inside The STEM-ists Pack: Find 24+ famous scientists/inventors to explore.

Each scientist includes: 

  • Project Sheet with instructions and step-by-step photos (additional printable included if applicable).
  • Biography Sheet that is kid-friendly. Get to know each scientist!
  • Animated Videos that cover a simple project idea to try for each scientist!
  • My Favorite Scientist Mini Pack to explore a favorite scientist further if desired.
  • Games! Secret Codes and Word Search Games
  • Supply List to help you fill your science kit for anytime projects!
  • Helpful Tips to make each project successful for everyone!
  • Bonus Women In STEM pullout pack (note there are a few different activities, but some are the same, simply a convenient smaller pack to use when prepping)
  • NEW! Fibonacci, Picotte, Herrington, Henson, and Edison Packs

BONUS BUNDLE PACK: What is A Scientist Pack (Lapbook included)

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