Curious About Space

Space is huge, just like the universe itself. While space is one of the most interesting things to learn about, it can also be hard to understand. But this shouldn’t stop children from getting excited about space. In fact, we should cheer them on!

Getting your child excited about space is easier than you might think. According to NASA’s Space Place, early exposure to space science helps build strong STEM skills. Here are 5 ways to help your child fall in love with space.

1. Take Them to the Planetarium

One of the best places to get your child excited about space is the planetarium. These places have lots of fun games and tools that teach kids about space science.

A day trip to the planetarium might spark a new love for space in your child. They can see how telescopes work, learn how rocket fuel is made, and find out how rockets fly.

Many planetariums also have live science shows where staff do cool experiments that will amaze your kids. The best part? Many of these experiments can be done at home too, giving your child a fun way to learn.

2. Buy a Telescope and Go Camping

Camping is great for family time. It can also be a learning trip that will make your kids wonder about the stars. With a telescope and a tent, you can take your children camping where you can build a fire together, eat s’mores, and look at stars.

Find a safe spot that’s not too bright to see the stars best. A camping trip can create lasting memories and help your child get excited about space.

3. Watch Fun Movies or Videos About Space

Learning about space can be fun but also tricky. There are many hard words and ideas that kids might not get. But when explained simply, your child will want to learn more.

YouTube channels like Kurzgesagt, Bright Side, and Tech Space teach viewers about space in fun, easy-to-understand videos. Kurzgesagt stands out because it covers space topics not taught in schools. The videos have great drawings and feel like cartoons, but they’re based on real science.

If YouTube isn’t right for your family, try movies or TV shows about space to help grow your child’s interest.

4. Learn Space Facts and Share Them With Your Kids

Your child loves hearing cool facts from you. Young brains soak up knowledge like sponges. You can use this to get your child excited about space.

In your free time, look up interesting space facts, and share the coolest ones with your kids. Did you know Uranus and Neptune are called ‘ice giants’? They have lots of water, ammonia, and methane ice deep inside them, but they’re not frozen all the way through! Another fun fact: the Sun is actually a small star. Some stars are 10,000 times bigger than our Sun – that’s like comparing a grain of rice to a car!

This is just a taste of the amazing space facts out there. Do some research and you might find yourself getting excited about space too!

5. Sign Up for a Space Camp

During school breaks or after school, there are many camps and classes for kids about space. At Engineering For Kids, students can learn about Aerospace Engineering and even study how Mars rovers work.

Some classes let students design their own space station in Minecraft. Others have hands-on projects where kids act as engineers to solve space problems.

By sending your child to a space camp, they’ll meet other kids who are excited about space too!