Smart Summer: Outer Space

It's week two of our Super Smart Summer Plan!  If you're wondering what in the world I'm talking about, start here.

This week we focused on what it would be like to live and work in space.  Outer Space is a pretty big theme and I didn't want to overwhelm the kids (5 1/2 and almost 3 years old) with too much.  We just had fun with it, that's what summer is all about anyway, right!?!

Super Smart Summer... "Outer Space" Week

"The Heavens declare the glory of God," Psalm 19:1

Movies:

-NASA has a ton of really great short video clips for kids.  This one was our favorite: Our World: Sleeping on board the International Space Station 

-Oh, and this short clip is mind boggling!  Ask the kids first "What do you think would happen if you wring a wet washcloth in space?" Then watch this!!

Outings:

-Science Museum

-"Astronaut Training" at a playground

Books:

Activities:

-Make your own space station

I spy planet Earth!

-A couple of days later act like evil aliens attacking the space station... (Check out the intensity of the Owen Alien!)

-Astronaut training- create an obstacle course, mom has a whistle and a clipboard then wear those little ones out as they train for space!  When they are physically fit enough according to the "astronaut training manual" treat them to something sweet... Mars bar?  Milky Way?
-Create a planet mobile
-Glow sticks in the bath tub (this was a favorite activity of my boys, sorry there aren't any pictures)
-Name rocket- write their name on pieces of the ship and put them in order all while screaming "10, 9, 8, 7....1 blast off!" Then decorate with glitter glue stars or stickers.

Snack:
-Astronaut Ice Cream (I'll bet you could order this ahead of time from some online store somewhere.)
-Freeze Dried Fruit

You can find links to more ideas and coloring pages on my "Smart Summer" Pinterest board.