Space Exploration, Science & Activities Guide

Stars, the Moon and planets can inspire countless questions from young children. “How do astronauts live in space?”, “Why do they float?” and “Why are spacesuits so large?” are great starting points for exploring space together.

Being an astronaut involves much more than riding a rocket into space. Astronauts complete extensive training, participate in scientific research, monitor spacecraft systems and work as part of a large team.

The International Space Station is an orbiting research laboratory where astronauts participate in many kinds of scientific and technological investigations. NASA

What Do Astronauts Do in Space?

1. They Participate in Scientific Research

Research aboard the International Space Station covers areas such as biology, human research, physics, materials and technology.

Astronauts may help prepare experiments, operate research equipment and collect information for scientists on Earth.

NASA describes the station as an orbiting laboratory supporting a wide range of research. NASA

2. They Help Maintain the Space Station

Astronauts also monitor and maintain the systems they depend on.

Some tasks take place inside the station. Others may require a spacewalk.

During spacewalks, astronauts can install, upgrade and repair equipment on the outside of the station. NASA

3. They Live in Microgravity

Astronauts floating inside the station does not mean gravity has disappeared.

The station, astronauts and objects inside it are continually falling around Earth together.

This produces the floating conditions known as microgravity. NASA

For young children, you might explain:

“The station and everything inside it are moving around Earth together, so astronauts appear to float.”

4. They Work as a Team

Space exploration is not the work of one person.

Astronauts work with engineers, scientists, flight controllers and specialists from many countries.

Five international space agencies and more than a dozen countries have contributed to the International Space Station. NASA

What Does a Spacesuit Do?

A spacesuit provides life-support functions that allow an astronaut to work in an environment that humans could not otherwise survive in.

Spacesuit systems can provide:

• Oxygen
• Pressure
• Carbon dioxide removal
• Temperature and humidity control NASA

For a child, you can describe a spacesuit as:

“A small life-support system that an astronaut wears while working outside.”

Space Activities for Home or the Classroom

1. Microgravity Pretend Play

Ask the child to imagine moving inside a space station.

Encourage slow, controlled movements while pretending to reach for objects that are floating nearby.

This is not a real simulation of microgravity, but it can be a fun starting point for talking about how movement in space looks different.

2. Balloon Rocket

Thread a straw onto a long piece of string and stretch the string between two points.

Inflate a balloon without tying it and attach it to the straw.

Release the opening and watch the balloon move as air rushes out in the opposite direction.

Ask:

“Why do you think the balloon moves one way while the air moves the other way?”

It is a simple demonstration for discussing rocket motion; real rocket propulsion is much more complex.

Explore Space Through Coloring

Coloring can provide a simple screen-free way to continue a conversation about space.

Children can choose colors for:

• Spacesuits
• Rockets
• Stars
• The Moon
• Planets

You might ask:

“Why might an astronaut need a helmet?”

“What do you think Earth looks like from space?”

Rather than promising specific developmental results, coloring can simply be presented as a creative activity that gives children opportunities to use pencils and colors.

Explore Free Astronaut and Occupation Coloring Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really no gravity in space?

Not exactly.

Gravity has not disappeared on the International Space Station. Astronauts appear to float because the station and everything inside it are falling around Earth together. The resulting environment is called microgravity. NASA

Why do astronauts perform spacewalks?

Spacewalks can be used for installation, maintenance, upgrades, repairs and some scientific work.

NASA astronauts have used spacewalks to work on equipment outside the International Space Station. NASA

Do astronauts conduct experiments?

Yes.

The International Space Station supports investigations in areas including biology, physics, human research and technology. NASA

Can girls become astronauts?

Yes.

Astronaut careers are open to qualified people regardless of gender. Candidates must meet the education, professional experience, medical and other requirements of the organization selecting them.

Sources & Further Reading

• NASA — International Space Station Overview
• NASA — Space Station Research and Technology
• NASA — International Space Station Spacewalks
• NASA — What Is Microgravity?
• NASA — Spacesuits

Note: This article is intended as general educational information about astronauts and space science for children.