Middle School, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (59 results)

Space exploration is an exciting and wide-ranging area. Getting into space (and back down) is hard, involving rockets and launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft, re-entry systems, landers and rovers, robots, and orbital mechanics, not to mention hypothetical technologies like space elevators and artificial gravity. To survive and thrive in space, we must understand many additional issues such as human performance in space, the space economy, and the science of astronomical bodies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-QVXjGk3A

Build a Paper Rocket

STEM Activity

1063 reviews

Blast off! Have you ever played with a model or toy rocket, or seen a real rocket launch on TV? In this project you will make simple rockets out of paper and launch them by blowing into a drinking straw. Can you make the rocket that flies the farthest? Read more

Make a Parachute

STEM Activity

321 reviews

Have you ever wondered what a parachute and an open rain jacket have in common? They both trap air and slow you down when you move fast! In this activity, you design a parachute for a miniature action figure. Tissue paper or a plastic bag and a few strings is all it takes to make your figure into an expert skydiver. Read more

Design and Launch Bottle Rockets

STEM Activity

230 reviews

Soda bottle rockets are a safe and fun way to get into rocketry. If you want to discover what makes rockets fly, this is an activity for you. You can even add different features, like fins, a nose cone, and a parachute to find out how these alter the flight! Try it out! Read more

How the Cookie Crumbles... in Space

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered what astronauts eat in space? What types of restrictions are there on the foods they can enjoy? It turns out that crumbs can be a huge problem on spaceships and space stations like the International Space Station (ISS). Crumbs can float around in zero gravity, squeeze into electrical panels, where they may cause fires, and get sucked into and clog air filtration systems. In this science project, you will investigate which ingredients are most important for creating the… Read more

Bottle Rocket Blast Off!

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

3... 2... 1... 0— blastoff! In this science project, you will use a bottle rocket launcher to launch your own bottle rocket. You will load it with water and pressurized air, make several launches, and find out what makes your rocket soar the highest. Read more

Parachutes: Does Size Matter?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

How does a parachute work? Do bigger parachutes work better than smaller parachutes? Find out in this science project if the size of the parachute matters. Read more

Paper Rockets to Learn the Scientific Method

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

48 reviews

Do you need a fun, easy way to teach your students about the scientific method? Try this lesson that uses rockets made from nothing but paper, tape, and straws. An elementary school version of this lesson plan is also available. Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-Science Practices.

How Does Speed Affect Orbiting Altitude of Satellites?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The movement of satellites is intriguing, but how do they orbit the way they do? Aerospace engineers run calculations and set up computer models to help them predict how satellites move in space, but in this astronomy science project, you will create a physical model with marbles, clay, and a cookie sheet to help you study how satellites move in space and learn from your observations. Read more

Grow Plants in Microgravity with an Arduino Clinostat

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Can humans grow food in space? Can we grow plants on the Moon or on a space station? This is an important question to answer as humans look to expand our existence to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In this science project you will build a clinostat, a device that can simulate microgravity right here on Earth and use it to explore the effects of microgravity on plant growth. Read more

Protect Your 'Eggstronaut': Build an Egg-Drop Lander

STEM Activity

198 reviews

The egg-drop project is a classic and time-honored tradition in many science classes. The goal is usually to build a device that can protect an egg when dropped from a high location. This activity puts a twist on the classic project, motivated by real-world advances in space exploration. Can you build a reusable egg-drop lander that can survive repeated falls from the same height? Try this activity and find out Read more

Explore Our Science Videos

Build an Auto-Leveling Platform with Arduino | Science Project

Run Your Own Measles Outbreak Simulation | Science Project

Toy Sailboat with Keel | STEM Activity