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

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 live 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.

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

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

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

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

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

STEP 6: Place the bottle onto your square frame.

MORE FUN THINGS TO BUILD

Pair this Aquarius Reef project with more easy 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.

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.

BUILD AN AQUARIUS REEF MODEL FOR STEM

Click on the image below or on the link for more do-able engineering projects for kids.