Sixth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 4)

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

How can we make space stations with artificial gravity a reality? In this science project, you will explore the physics of creating artificial gravity with circular motion. Read more

Asteroid! Identify Space Hazards with Computer Vision

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Space is a dangerous place for astronauts and spacecraft. Earth's orbit is full of potential hazards like meteoroids, space debris, and other satellites that you do not want to crash into! How do scientists detect these objects in space? If you do detect an object, how can you tell what it is? In this project you will make your own computer program that can recognize and react to three different models of objects that can be found in space. No previous programming experience is required! Read more

Asteroid Mining: Gold Rush in Space?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You've heard of gold mining and coal mining, but think outside the box...or the planet...what about asteroid mining? Scientists, engineers, and business people believe asteroid mining is feasible, and they are in the beginning stages of long-term plans to mine asteroids for valuable resources during space missions. You don't want to miss out on all the fun; in this science project, you will come up with your own scientific plan for an asteroid mining company. We will help get you started by… 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

1

2

3

4

5

3 reviews

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

Engineer Helicopters for Mars

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

1

2

3

4

5

2 reviews

Space exploration poses many challenges. In this lesson, students will explore how flying a helicopter on Mars is different from flying a helicopter on Earth due to the difference in the helicopter's weight on Mars and the thin Martian atmosphere. Students will follow the engineering design process to design and build paper helicopters that might be able to fly on Mars. Before testing their different helicopter designs, students will revisit the concept of gravity, and apply their knowledge to… Read more

NGSS Performance Expectations:

MS-PS2-4. Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Gigantic, Invisible Triangles: Measuring Height (or Altitude) with an Inclinometer

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

If you've ever wondered how tall that bridge is, or how high your kite was, then this could be a good project for you. You'll learn how you can use the mathematics of right triangles to measure the height of an object with two measurements that you can make on the ground. Read more

How Can Life Survive on a Planet with Extreme Tidal Locking?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered what life might look like on other planets? Life might need to survive conditions that would seem very extreme to us. Such conditions likely exist on planets that orbit abundant red dwarf stars. These planets can undergo tidal locking, which means one side is a perpetual, freezing night and the other is a perpetual, scorching day! How does life stand a chance? In this science project, you will test what extreme temperatures microscopic life can survive to model some of… Read more

How Fast Can You Get It Done?

STEM Activity

1

2

3

4

5

15 reviews

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

Rocket Catcher Challenge for Grades 6-8

Lesson Plan Grade: 6th-8th

1

2

3

4

5

7 reviews

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. Elementary 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:

MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Sixth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (49 results)

Explore Our Science Videos