Papercraft satellites

This activity has been designed to help pupils understand the different applications of satellites in the field of Earth observation. Scientists use the data collected by these satellites to monitor changes in environments across the planet.

There are three satellites that pupils can build:

• ...

Code your mission to Mars

Pupils can explore the characteristics of the surface of planet Mars and will learn how to navigate a planetary robotic vehicle on to it. The resource focuses on coding and uses Open Roberta Lab which is an online simulation tool. Pupils will become familiar with the main characteristics of the Martian surface and...

A week in the life of an astronaut

In this logbook resource pupils will learn about a typical week in the life of an astronaut. They will identify how life is different on Earth than it is in space and compare their daily activities, exercise and nutrition to that of ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

Could we live on Mars?: comparing Mars and Earth

In this activity, pupils compare Earth and Mars in the context of geography and science. They will begin by comparing the positions of both planets in the solar system, and end by designing their own life forms that could potentially survive on Mars.

The EUCLID space telescope mission

This curriculum linked resource, for primary children and their teachers, is based on the exciting real-life launch of the Euclid space telescope. Through simple models and practical activities, the children are introduced to the work of space scientists seeking to discover more about our universe.

The...

Evaluating materials for a heat shield

This is one of a series of resources from the IET designed around the theme of the future of flight with the purpose of developing pupils knowledge and skills in engineering and mathematics. This activity involves testing and selecting materials to make a heat shield to stop a piece of chocolate from melting using...

Thermal engineering for space

RAL Space is the UK’s national space laboratory where our thermal engineers and technicians help design and build spacecraft. They make sure that the components will work correctly and are protected in the extreme temperatures of space by using a special type of insulation. In this activity and presentation, pupils...

Up, up, up! - Build and launch your own rockets

Rockets are used to launch satellites, probes and even astronauts into space. A rocket launch is extremely impressive. Thousands of kilograms are burned in just a few minutes in order to provide the force that the rocket needs in order to overcome the gravity of the Earth. Rockets provide an exciting context to...

Calculating where Space begins?

This resource, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, begins with a video that names and describes some the different layers of the atmosphere, with the aim of explaining where the ...

What did the early Universe look like?

This resource, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, looks at what information we can gather by viewing (but not visiting) different parts of the universe. 

The...