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Astronaut on a Space Walk

Astronaut on a Space Walk

Prepare to walk in space! Create an astronaut as you learn about space exploration.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Aluminum Foil
  • Chenille Sticks
  • Recycled Cardboard Box
  • Recycled Cardboard Snack Cylinder

Steps

  • Step 1

    Who was the first human in space? What was the mission? What was the outcome? Ask students to research the history of space flight and exploration and the people and countries involved. Have them learn about the components of astronaut gear and other necessities for space travel.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a replica of an astronaut in a flight suit. For the torso they can cover a cylindrical container with Model Magic, and for the backpack they can cover a small box, such as a snack-size box of raisins. To make the helmet they can cover a small ball-shaped armature with a thin layer of Model Magic. Flexible chenille sticks (also known as pipe cleaners) and rolled up pieces of aluminum foil can be covered with Model Magic for the hoses and limbs respectively. They can complete the outfit with added details such as a flag patch, gloves, and boots.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

SCI: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information based on evidence.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/ models that are useful in communicating ideas.

Adaptations

Students can research Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan, three Black women nicknamed "human computers" who worked at NASA (and were featured in the film "HIdden Figures"). Their work was integral to the US space program, yet their contributions remained largely unacknowledged.

Yuri Gargarin was the first human to journey into outer space in 1961, but other living beings preceded him. Students can learn about Albert II, the first primate and the first mammal in space (1949), Laika, the first dog (1957), and other creatures including bugs, turtles, and frogs who paved the way for successful space travel.