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- Explore with NASA
Explore with NASA
NASA have a fantastic range of activities for kids big and small. We have handpicked some of our favourites for you below. All of these can be done at home and some are available as activity packs in our branches, so come in and enjoy.
Roving on Mars Game
NASA have sent 3 Rovers to Mars, with a new, unnamed one planned to launch later this year. The current Rovers are called Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity. It is their job to explore Mars, looking for signs of life and collecting samples of rocks and dirt for NASA scientists to study.
The rovers don't have it easy. The air around them gets colder than our North Pole! Dust storms swirl all around them. And sometimes they get stuck! Spirit slipped down a hill, and Opportunity was trapped in a crater. But all these challenges give scientists more to study.
Can you steer a Rover across Mars? Test your driving skills in this fun game.
(Note this game requires Flash Player and works best on a PC).
Make a galactic mobile
You may need an adult to help with this so get together as a family, get crafty and create your own galaxy! Print off the instructions and the galaxy pattern sheet to get started. You will need:
12" (family size) or 7" (individual size) round cardboard from frozen pizza box. (Or cut circle from a cardboard box.) • 4 large sheets (11" x 17") black construction paper • Glitter—gold, silver, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, or any other colors you like • White glue • Paintbrush • Scissors • Thread (black is best) or fine nylon fishing line • Small, 4-holed button • Large, sturdy sewing needle • 16 sequins or very small beads, black is best (optional) • Tape measure
Make a map of something you cannot see!
How is that even possible? Find out with this fun activity. You will need a small box, a piece of paper or card, a mystery object (a toy works well) a skewer or knitting needle and coloured textas. Download the instructions to get started.
NASA's Search and Rescue colouring book
Take a journey with Lisa Mazzuca, manager of NASA’s Search and Rescue office. In this fun book, you’ll learn about NASA’s work developing search and rescue technologies. Download a copy for home or collect one from any library branch. Check out the many more colouring books available on NASA's Colouring Books page.
What did Hubble see on your birthday?
The Hubble telescope has been orbiting Earth for 30 years, exploring the universe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means it has observed some fascinating cosmic wonder every day of the year, including on your birthday.
What did Hubble look at on your birthday? Enter the month and date to find out!
Build a pair of glasses and see Mars in 3D
Get a life size look at Mars with your new 3D glasses! Download the 3D glasses template at home or pick up everything you need at our library branches and check out the amazing images of the red planet available below, in our library branches and online at
https://mars.nasa.gov/3d/images
Martian Landscape With Rock Rows and Mount Sharp
Curiosity View Ahead Through 'Artist's Drive' (image above)
For more great activities, experiments and games check out
NASA at Home https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-at-home-for-kids-and-families
NASA Kids Club https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html
NASA Space Place https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/
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