Are you looking for some fun astronomy & space related activities for yourself or your kids? Check out these great 30 minute or less space & astronomy related ideas. Most can even be done on a rainy day indoors, but some may require a trip outside.
Most of the fast astronomy & space activities require minimal supplies, but a few may need adult supervision.
Have fun.
1. 30 Minute Rocket
You can make a 30 Minute Rocket with straws and a soda bottle. This simple project requires just a few basic supplies, but may be better done outside.2. Build an Edible Space Shuttle
You can learn about the Space Shuttle and its parts by making a snack. Assemble and eat these parts of the Space Shuttle:- The External Tank holds fuel.
- The Solid Rocket Boosters push the Shuttle into the air.
- The Orbiter is where the astronauts sit. It also holds everything that is going into space.
3. Make a Cassini Spacecraft That's Good Enough to Eat
Here's another tasty activity. The real Cassini spacecraft has now arrived at Saturn, but you can build a replica that's mighty sweet.4. Constellation in a Canister
Want to learn more about the night sky? Start with this simple activity. People have looked at the stars for many, many years. They could imagine pictures in stars. Those pictures are called constellations. After you do this activity, see if you can find the constellations in the night sky.5. 15 Minute Introduction to the Night Sky
Have you ever looked at the clouds and seen pictures? That one looks like a duck, or that cloud is shaped like Abraham Lincoln's head. Well, as those ancient humans looked at the stars, they began to see patterns too. Not only can you see constellations, if you learn more about the night sky you can spot planets and other objects as well.Take just about 15 minutes and learn your way around the night sky with this fun activity for after dark.
6. Lunar Prospector Model
The real Lunar Prospector was designed for a low polar orbit investigation of the Moon, including mapping of surface composition and possible deposits of polar ice, measurements of magnetic and gravity fields, and study of lunar outgassing events.Now, in just a short time you can build your very own Lunar Prospector model.
7. Parallax View
Ever wonder how astronomers could tell how far away a star was? We can't even travel to the closest star yet. This quick activity will help you understand how the process works.8. Making Craters
Why does the moon or Mercury look the way they do? What would happen if the earth were hit by a meteorite? Learn more with this quick and simple activity.9. How Do Rockets Fly?
Sir Isaac Newton developed a very famous theory called the "Three Laws of Motion." We use these laws today to make rockets fly. Learn how to apply these laws to make your own rockets fly.10. Fun Quizzes
So, you think you're pretty smart?Well, try your hand at some of these fun quizzes. If you don't know an answer, look it up on this site.