Insight from Mars
Get started on the 2020 4-H STEM Challenge, Mars Base Camp, as you code an animated story with Scratch.
Space Exploration
About the Activities
Explore the wonders of Space with easy at home experiments and short educational instructional videos. These activities were developed to take place over the course of a few days, relying on kids' natural curiosity to learn.
Grades: 3-5
Topic: STEM, Aerospace
Estimated Time: 30 minutes per activity
Brought to you by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & Utah State University Extension
Supplies
Click on the titles below to view the supplies needed to complete each activity. All supplies needed can be found in or around the house.
Activity Steps
Watch the videos below for step-by-step instructions to complete each activity and learn more about Mars and space exploration.
Reflection Questions
Questions for your kids and teens.
- Why is it important to test and make adaptions when conducting science experiments?
- How can germinating seeds without soil be useful to our everyday lives here on earth?
- What is an example of something that has proven accuracy in our everyday lives here on earth?
- Why do you think it important to observe and collect data when conducting science experiments?
Investigate and Explore
Take what you've learned to the next level to learn more and explore the possibilities.
Since space exploration first began, scientists have been conducting experiments and gathering data - just like you! Your interest in space could lead you to study aerospace engineering, agriculture, physics, health, and nutrition.
One day, you could be a nutritionist monitoring an astronaut's health to ensure they receive the right combination of nutrients during long-term spaceflight. You could work as a chemist and experiment with fertilizer formulas to add the right amount of nutrients to plants to help astronauts grow vegetables on the International Space Station.
STEM careers are all around us!
Related Activities
If you enjoyed the 4-H Space Program, you can find more aerospace and STEM activities on 4-H at Home.
Shop 4-H Curriculum and Products
Shop 4-H offers university-backed STEM curriculum, educational kits, products and supplies to expand your knowledge of space, rocketry and more.
Galactic Quest Kit
Grades: 3-9
The 2021 STEM Challenge takes youth on an out-of-this world adventure.
Family Kit: 1-4 youth | Educator Kit: 12 youth
Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping.
$19.95 | $32.95
Mars Base Camp Rover
Grades: 3-8
Youth use engineering skills to build a vehicle that can explore the surface of Mars while participating in the Mars Base Camp Red Planet Odyssey unplugged activity.
$4.95
Inspire Kids to Do STEM Tee
This 4-H STEM-centric tee harnesses the fun and creativity that are central to all STEM project areas, including these and many more! Adult sizes only.
$12.99
Aerospace Pin
Once you've completed your Mars Base Camp or Aerospace mission, you've earned the right to display your accomplishment proudly with your 4-H Aerospace pin.
5/8" x 3/4", antiqued finish medal.
$2.49
Marshmallow Rocket Kit
Grades: Pre-K - 3
In this 4-H Cloverbud activity, youth learn the basics of rockets and astronauts and will build a model rocket out of marshmallows. Comes with an 8-page activity booklet and an inflatable space shuttle.
$8.95
Aerospace Curriculum
Grades: 1-12
Deepen knowledge and understanding of aerospace while completing a series of fun, hands-on activities. Set includes Aerospace Adventures Levels 1-4 plus the Helper's Guide.
$26.95
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