Help Kids Learn About Space Exploration

NASA’s Artemis II mission is headed home and will splashdown tomorrow after the crew took a trip around the moon. The  and its four astronauts traveled farther from Earth than anyone in history. For families, this is a good time to talk about space exploration and our planet’s relationship with the rest of the universe. Here are some books and resources to explore!

Space Exhibits and Hands-on Fun

Explore Great Lakes Science Center’s Great NASA Glenn Visitor Center 

It’s one one of only 11 visitor centers in the country. In the heart of Cleveland, Great Lakes Science Center offers experience with galleries, interactive exhibits, artifacts and NASA media. For summer exploration, check out their camp offerings that focus on space and STEM. greatscience.com

Mission Updates
Families can see updates and information about their trip on https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/

Space Books

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space Hardcover 

If I Were an Astronaut (Dream Big!)
by Eric Braun and illustrated by Sharon Harmer 
If I were an astronaut, I would zoom into outer space! I would help fix the International Space Station. Dream big, and see what fun it is to be an astronaut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 Things To See With A Telescope – Kids: A Constellation Focused Approach
by John A Read
Every page features a helpful “telescope view”, showing exactly how objects appear through a small telescope or binoculars. 

Our Solar System! A Stellar Neighborhood
by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Stevie Lewis 
A picture book about the members of our solar system from the eyes of Comet, who’s been traveling through the Solar System for eons.

Luna Muna: (Outer Space Adventures of a Kid Astronaut)
by Kelli Gerardi and illustrated by Allyson Wilson 
Luna Muna is a curious young girl who loves outer space. In fact, she’s going to be an astronaut one day! One night, after wishing on a shooting star, Luna Muna discovers a secret power: when she wears her special sparkly space helmet, she can float just like the astronauts in space

153 Things Kids Should Know About Space: Interesting Facts for Kids
by Adam Free
Is your child fascinated by planets, stars, rockets, and galaxies far, far away?
Get ready to blast off into a universe of fun with 153 mind-blowing, funny, and totally unforgettable space facts that every kid should know.

When I’m an Astronaut: Dreaming is Believing: STEM
(Inspirational Careers for Kids)
by Samantha Pillay and illustrated by Harry Aveira
Each page is a launchpad for discovery, nurturing a child’s natural curiosity about science, space, and their own limitless potential. The illustrations are packed with scientifically accurate, real-life details, from the International Space Station to the Mars Rover, for you and your child to find together, turning storytime into an adventure.

Space Crafts

NASA offers a variety of space crafts, activities and videos for kids! Explore what they have to offer here