This week is a very special week for Astronaut Scott Kelly. He has spent the past year in space and is scheduled to journey home to Earth. My kids and I have been following along his journey on Instagram this year, have you? Our trip to Space Center Houston this past summer made a big impact on how my kids see the importance of space and the research the NASA does.
There are so many ways to learn about STEM as you explore space exploration. Current Events are an important element to add to after school activities.
Here are some ways to explore with your child as we welcome Commander Scott Kelly back to Earth.
Exploring Space with Astronaut Scott Kelly
Learning About a Year in Space with Numbers
How does a year in space ADD UP? Share with your child this week some of the facts about Astronaut Scott Kelly from this article in the New York Times. Create a few variations to encourage them to solve even more math equations about this magnitude of spending so much time away from Earth.
Image Source: NASA
You can watch NASA’S TV Coverage of Scott Kelly’s Return after #yearinspace with this link.
Watch this video series from TIME A Year in Space Time followed Scott and his twin brother Mark and their families as they test the boundaries of long term space travel.
Here are Top 10 Things to Know about Scott Kelly’s year in space.
Image Source NASA.gov
International Space Station
Scott Kelly will have spent this past year in the International Space Station helping us to discover the impacts of extended stay in space. Did you know you can see it from the Earth?
Discover on this site How to Track and Spot the International Space Station
Space Writing Prompt Ideas
Create your own space journal with kids as a writing prompt for your child or students. Take a peek at Astronaut Scott Kelly’s instagram account for ideas. Considering using these adorable space themed clipart from My Cute Graphics to create your space journal.
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Books about the International Space Station
You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes: Photographs from the International Space Station
The International Space Station (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)
Toys that Encourage Space Exploration
LEGO Discovery: International Space Station
Safari Ltd Space TOOB With 10 Out Of-This-World Toy Figurines,
Space Mission 16 Piece set w/ Kennedy Space Center Sign
We’ll be sharing with you a closer look at our trip to Space Center Houston this week too and how you can encourage your child to discover more about Space.
Here’s the video of his mission complete with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Kornienko who spent the year with him and also with cosmonauts Sergey Volkov.
How will you share with your child about this special event in history with astronaut Scott Kelly? Be sure to follow NASA’s Johnson Space Center Houston for the latest updates.
Here’s a video with Scott Kelly once he arrived back on Earth sharing his one-year mission retrospective.
You may also enjoy these space themed activities for your child…
