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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Explain to the child that they will be watching a video of astronauts in space reading a picture story book. While enjoying the story, they will be able to observe how the astronauts are living in space.

    Story Time from Space is a livestream featuring astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) reading children’s books. You can find it on platforms like YouTube or the Story Time from Space website.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Watch the video with the child and ask them to write down or discuss things they notice in the space environment, such as the absence of gravity and the special clothing astronauts wear.

    Pause the video at key moments to discuss what the child notices. Ask questions like:

    • What do you notice about how astronauts move in space?
    • What special tools or equipment do you see that help astronauts live in space?
    Step 2

    Introduce the concept of microgravity by explaining that gravity is what keeps us on the ground on Earth. In space there is much less gravity, so astronauts float. Ask the child if they have noticed microgravity in the video. This may be the astronauts’ hair moving or the way they float in the ISS.

    Step 3

    Explain to the child that communication in space requires technology. In space sound doesn’t travel, so astronauts need special devices to talk with each other and with people on Earth. Mention how technology is also used to record and share videos like the one they are watching.

    Step 4

    Encourage the child to reflect on their notes and observations. Discuss any new insights they have gained about life in space and how technology supports astronauts. Ask questions to understand their thoughts:

    • What do you think it would feel like to float, instead of walking, in space?
    • What kind of technology do you think astronauts need to survive in space?
    • How do you think astronauts eat, sleep and move around in space?

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involved sharing their insights and reflections. This may include filming each step of the flower-pressing process or the child explaining the parts of the flower that they have labelled on their flower-press diagram.

    Compile photos, drawings and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what has been learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

  • Discuss

    Host a show-and-tell session with family members or friends where the child explains the challenges astronauts face in space. They can focus on topics like microgravity and what they have observed in the ISS video or the communication challenges astronauts encounter when talking to each other and people on Earth. Encourage the child to share their insights and observations clearly, using examples from the video to illustrate these challenges and the technology used to survive in space.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they have learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Brainstorm ideas for a follow-up activity or experiment inspired by what has been learned during the initial activity.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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