Do you ever look up into the night sky and wonder what’s out there? The universe has a mysterious and magical quality to it, and yet we can start to learn about it with a simple space shuttle activity for kids. Design and build your own space shuttle from simple supplies. We love fun and easy science activities for kids!
HOW TO MAKE A SPACE SHUTTLE
FIRST BLACK FEMALE ASTRONAUT IN SPACE
Who is Mae Jemison? Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
ALSO CHECK OUT: LEGO Women of NASA
In college, Mae studied the physical and social sciences, and learned to speak Russian and the African language Swahili. She earned a degree in chemical engineering and African studies.
After college, she studied medicine for four years, and became a medical doctor. In 1987, Mae was accepted into NASA’s astronaut program. She trained in Texas, learning about space exploration. She worked for NASA, and waited for a shuttle assignment. When the space shuttle Endeavour launched into orbit in 1992, Mae became the first African-American woman to orbit the earth.
Jemison has had many careers. She has been a physician, engineer, business woman, professor and was even an actress on Star Trek!
ALSO CHECK OUT: Space Activities For Kids
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE SPACE SHUTTLE PROJECT!
SPACE SHUTTLE PROJECT
THE ENGINEERING CHALLENGE: Build a space shuttle out of a water bottle and random supplies you have around.
TIME CONSTRAINT: 30 minutes or as time allows.
SUPPLIES: Water bottle, Tape, Glue, Scissors, Markers, Other random
supplies: (paper, cardboard, paint, plastic lids)
INSTRUCTIONS: Encourage the kids to spend up to 5 minutes talking about design ideas and making rough sketches! Allow time if possible to share their shuttle design and discuss challenges and what worked well.
EXTEND THE CHALLENGE: In addition to making the space shuttle, if
time allows, see if you can make the rocket and boosters too!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
- What worked well and what did not work well?
- If you could do this challenge again, what would you do differently?
- If you could use or add a different material what would you choose?
MORE FUN THINGS TO BUILD
Cardboard Rocket Ship 
Marble Maze Pool Noodle Marble Run Solar Oven Popsicle Stick Catapult Rubber Band Car
HOW TO BUILD A SPACE SHUTTLE
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