Fourth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 3)

What Modern Microbes Could Survive on Early Earth?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered how life began on Earth? Or how life could get started on other planets? To help us better understand how life began, many scientists try to figure out what it would have been like to live on early Earth. In this science project, you will try to grow microscopic life that could have survived some of the harsh conditions of early Earth! Read more

Mars Rover Obstacle Course

STEM Activity

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How do scientists and engineers control robots that drive around other planets millions of miles away? It's nowhere near as easy as driving a toy remote-control car here on Earth. In this activity you will experience some of the challenges you face when driving a "robot" that you can't see! Read more

Astronaut Stress Management Training for Space Flight

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Training for space flight isn't just a physically demanding job. You need to be prepared mentally and emotionally, too! In this science project, you will test how a breathing technique can improve your fight-or-flight response induced by the stressors of space flight. Read more

Build an Ion Wind Rotor

STEM Activity

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Can you use electrically charged "wind" to make something move? Find out in this fun project as you build your own ion wind rotor. Read more

How Fast Can You Get It Done?

STEM Activity

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Do you hate doing the dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning up your room? Do you wish you could figure out a way to get these tasks done faster? Figure out how as you take on the role of a production engineer in this fun activity! Read more

Motor Imagery Visualization's Impact on Fine Motor Skills for Space Flight

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

In this science experiment, you will model and test how visualization of a task can change the accuracy of your fine motor skill performance. You will use the small muscles in your hands to model how your body would perform on Earth versus a space launch. Read more

Rocket Catcher Challenge for Grades K-5

Lesson Plan Grade: Kindergarten-5th

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In this fun engineering lesson plan, your students will build a rocket-catching device to help a falling rocket land vertically without crashing, using simple and readily-available materials. Middle school and high school versions of this lesson plan are also available. This lesson was part of the 2025 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Satellite Shield

Lesson Plan Grade: 4th-7th

Learners explore the properties of materials by designing a barrier that will protect a satellite from colliding objects. They test out multiple combinations of materials and collect data on the results to determine which materials are the most effective at shielding the satellites from the hazards of space debris. Learning Objectives Students will: Design a barrier that can protect the satellite from high-velocity impacts with space debris. Explore design considerations based on… Read more

Slingshot to the Outer Planets

Lesson Plan Grade: 3rd-5th

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Students are introduced to the engineering challenges involved with interplanetary space travel. In particular, they learn about the gravity assist or "slingshot" maneuver often used by engineers to send spacecraft to the outer planets. Using magnets and ball bearings to simulate a planetary flyby, students investigate what factors influence the deflection angle of a gravity assist maneuver. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

3-PS2-2. Make observations and/or measurements of an object's motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. (Grade 3)
4-PS3-1. Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object. (Grade 4)

Fourth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (29 results)

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