Space: 5 to 7 year olds
This list is designed to link to suitable resources to use space as a context for teaching STEM subjects for 5 to 7 year olds.
Some of these resources require FREE registration with the STEM Learning website. Registration also gives you access to thousands of other quality assured STEM resources.
- ALL
- Teacher guidance
- Textbook
- Video
- Information sheet
- Image
- Activity sheet
- External link
Teacher guidance
The Earth in Space Teachers’ Guide (Ages 5-7)
This resource suggests ideas to address students early perceptions of time and space, the difference between night and day, and seasonal changes
Textbook
Rosetta - primary resource book
The Rosetta spacecraft was sent on a mission to comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Part of its mission was to deploy a lander, Philae, on the surface of the comet. The resource contains seven activities themed around the mission:
The Planets
Using interactive games, children will learn to recognise the names of the eight planets in the Solar System and they will learn that planets revolve around the Sun.
Falling Stars
Children will learn the difference between a star and a ‘falling star’, and how friction can cause heating effects.
Meteorites
In this activity, students learn about craters that can be created by impacts from space.
Soft Landing
This activity uses the context of Philae's landing to: explain why unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
Weight on other Celestial Bodies
The series of activities in this resource helps children to understand the difference between mass and weight.
Distances in the Solar System
In this resource, children are guided through activities which will help them to use models to understand the scale of the solar system.
What use is Solar Power?
Solar power is vital to the operation of satellites and to the Rosetta spacecraft. This activity requires children to make a solar powered vehicle, using solar panels, a motor and gear and other simple materials.
Video
Rocket Images and Video
This video and images can be used to start a discussion as to how we can get into space.
Information sheet
Look to the Future: the Future Needs STEM
This careers pack, for primary schools, uses space as a context to highlight the importance of STEM subjects. The resource has been written to highlight some of the STEM career opportunities available so that students, teachers and school communities can discuss and explore, from an earlier age, the breadth of jobs opportunities available.
Image
Images of Astronauts
These images of astronauts can be used to spark discussion as to what an astronaut is and why they have to wear suits when out in space.
Activity sheet
International Space Station (ISS) Education Kit - Primary
This is an excellent resource for early primary age, and includes many worksheets and simple experiments to try out.
External link
ESA Kids
The ESA Kids site has interactive games, animations and images. The ESA mascot, Paxi, features in many of the animations.
