We’ve provided a variety of learning activities for you to begin exploring things up in the sky.
Exploring up in the sky with labs and activities
Data from Space
In this activity, you will learn about the connection between space technology and a scientist’s work on land.
At each activity prompt in the video (below), stop the video to answer the activity questions on the student worksheet.
- Download the student worksheet Data from Space and review it before you watch the video.
For more discussion at each activity prompt in the video, download the answer sheet below to find discussion questions listed under "teaching tips." Discuss these questions with a partner if you have access to one. If not, you can answer the questions yourself.
A note about Activity 4: If you do not have internet access to download free mapping software, then you can go to the Activity 4 Student Page Answers to get the necessary information to fill out Table 1.
- Watch the video Data from Space below
- Download the answer sheet Data from Space
Soft Landing
In this activity, you will learn about soft-landing systems used in space exploration, then build a soft-landing system and test its ability to safeguard an egg from cracking.
- Download the student worksheet Soft Landing and review it before you watch the video.
For more discussion at each activity prompt in the video, download the answer sheet to find discussion questions under the "teaching tips." Discuss these questions with a partner if you have one. If not, you can answer the questions yourself.
A note about Activity 3: Have a parent, family member, or guardian help you test the ability of your soft-landing systems to protect its egg cargo.
- Watch the video Soft Landing below
- Download the answer sheet Soft Landing
Model the Solar System
Create a scale model of the sun and planets to better understand the distances between them.
Research things up in the sky
What Role Does Gravity Play in a Lunar Landing?
In this activity, you will write a proposal for sending a manned spacecraft to the moon to develop a colony.
Plants in Space
Explore the ways in which plant needs are met in the International Space Station laboratory and think about the advantages of growing plants in space.
The Geocentric Model of the Solar System
Identify the evidence that led ancient astronomers to conclude that Earth was the center of the universe and the solar system.
- Download the student worksheet for The Geocentric Model of the Solar System
- Download the answer sheet for The Geocentric Model of the Solar System
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Find more science activities for grades 6-8.
This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
