Space Exploration – Original
Learn about space rovers, rockets, space foods, and space rockstars with this video series!
Space Exploration:
Quest 1
Humans aren’t ready for deep space travel yet, but in this activity you’ll see how future missions to the moon can be a first step for deeper space exploration.
About the Activity
This mission will introduce you to the Artemis program, which is designed to establish lunar infrastructure for future exploration and research in outer space.
Join the lead astronaut, Commander Isabella Hernandez, and help her solve one of the biggest challenges of long-distance space travel: nutrition. Because if astronauts are ever going to explore the outer reaches of the solar system, we’ll have to figure out how to grow nutritious food in space.
This activity is part of our 4-H at Home Space Exploration Series. After you complete this Activity, go check out Quest 2!
Grade Level: 3 - 8
Topic: Plant Science, STEM
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Brought to you by HughesNet
Activity Steps
Click the "Start" button below to begin your Space Exploration adventure! After you complete this Activity, go check out Quest 2.
Reflection Questions
Bonus questions to inspire wonder:
- How do you think seeds planted in space grow differently than seeds planted on Earth? Any similarities?
- How many plants would a team of astronauts need to grow to sustain travel to and from Mars?
- Is there anything we can learn from growing plants in space that would improve food sources on Earth? Might it eventually be easier to grow plants year-round in all climates?
Investigate and Explore
Take what you've learned to the next level to learn more and explore the possibilities.
Now that you’ve taken a trip in the Orion Spacecraft and learned more about NASA’s goals for space exploration, it’s easy to see how far we’ve come. If you’d like to learn more about research around growing food in outer space, read more about how it’s done on the ISS.
Career Connections
What’s it take to become an astronaut? It’s never too early to begin to participate in STEM activities that can benefit you in the future. Dr. Peggy Whitson, the U.S. astronaut who spent 665 combined days in space, shares her journey. Despite her time spent weightless in outer space, her farmstead upbringing keeps her grounded, and reminds us that anyone can follow their dreams.
Get inspired, and make a plan to follow in her spacewalking footsteps.
Related Activities
If you enjoyed these activities, you can find more STEM activities on 4-H at Home.
Shop 4-H Curriculum and Products
Shop4-H.org offers university-backed STEM curriculum, educational kits, products and supplies to expand your knowledge of space, rocketry and more.
Mars Base Camp Kit
Grades: 3-8
Featuring four hands-on activities that can be enjoyed with or without internet access and individually or all together, the challenge teaches kids STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science and agriculture.
Family Kit: Includes materials for 1-4 youth.
Educator Kit: Includes materials for 12 youth.
Due to the overwhelming demand of the Mars Base Camp Kit, please allow 3-4 weeks for this item to ship after purchase.
$15.95 | $23.95
Mars Base Camp Rover
Grades: 3-8
Youth will 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. Each rover comes with assembly instructions and screwdriver. Batteries not included, takes 2 AA batteries.
$4.95
Inspire Kids to Do STEM Tee
This 4-H STEM-centric tee features icons related to rocketry, chemistry, mathematics, and robotics, and it harnesses the fun and creativity that are central to all STEM project areas, including these and many more!
Offered in 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
The Aerospace Adventures curriculum deepens knowledge and understanding of aerospace while youth complete a series of fun, hands-on activities they can complete at home.
Set includes Aerospace Adventures Levels 1-4 plus the Helper's Guide.
$26.95
Brought to you by:
No endorsement of these supporters' products or services is granted or implied by 4‑H.
Take Our Survey