BUILD A CRAFT Lots of different models of space craft to make can be found housed on the NASA site. Complex crafts for older kids like the Galileo model, http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/model.ht... and Mars Pathfinder Space Model, http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/educati... to simpler projects like the Lunar Prospector, http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/MPF/mpf/educati... which uses marshmallows and card stock. For basic aviation discovery and learning try this indoor/outdoor activity, the Falcon Flyer http://k12unix.larc.nasa.gov/flyingstart... Tthe construction page gives you a quick start then jump to the 'How to Fly' for an aviation lesson. There is so much to read, explore, and learn at the site http://www.nasa.gov/kids.html you could spend a lot of time here. For a futuristic model try the Nanorover http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/muses2.ht... The instructions are included as '.pdfs' to download and print. There are also pictures of the process including the three young lady crafters. It also includes a link to the real Nanorover to learn more about it. Or, try this clever hovercraft, http://homearts.com/depts/family/c8rain1...
ROCKETS, AND ROCKS To get there from here you need a rocket! Here are some great sites that give you ideas on how to build rockets. How about a pop bottle rocket? Try this page, scroll down to the bottom and follow the directions. The illustrations help but make sure you do this activity with an adult, http://www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/00000981.htm. For the little ones, try this activity called Blast Off Paper Rockets. It just requires some paper, and their wind power, http://www.ghbooks.com/getpage.cfm?file=... The trick here to step number 3 when it says tape it means tape the long ends of the sides of the paper leaving an inch of paper not taped at the bottom so you can make the rocket fins. Or, for an artsy style try these, http://www.icomm.ca/daycare/cardsb13.htm... simple paper roll rocket ships.
Take a walk, collect some rocks, then, http://www.ctw.org/celebrate/athome/arti... will show you how to make some great moon rocks.
STARS AND PLANETS What star is more useful in space than the Sun? For a simple solar snack try the Magic School Bus' solar oven http://www.scholastic.com/MagicSchoolBus... the "Solar Energy Cooks" activity. Or, try a sun clock, http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_exp... by the Exploratorium. For the small ones, have them make a parade of stars using this basic 5-point star model from Enchanted Learning, http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/crafts/... For a variation, try making a mobile out of them http://www.kinderart.com/recycle/cosmic.... a cosmic mobile from KinderArt. For older kids, have them make pin-hole planetariums. Using construction paper, preferable blue or black, folder it into four squares. Cut the paper into four squares. Have the kids pick a constellation they like. Draw the constellation on to the construction paper and then carefully push holes at the correct places the constellation indicates. Hold up to light, or shine a flashlight from the back to project the stars.
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