We’re going on a thrilling space adventure with our little learners as we dive into the exciting world of astronauts. This super cute astronaut craft is easy to make and kids of all ages will enjoy!
I’m so excited to share this astronaut craft activity with you, complete with step-by-step directions and a free printable template.
Let’s spark their curiosity and ignite a love for learning about outer space in our young minds. So buckle up, and let’s get ready for liftoff!
Why do kids love learning about astronauts?
As an early childhood educator with 15 years of experience, I’ve noticed one thing for sure – kids are naturally drawn to the mysteries of outer space and everything it entails.
Astronauts, with their shiny helmets, cool spacesuits, and thrilling space missions, capture the imaginations of our little learners like no other!
Curiosity about the Unknown: Outer space is vast and unexplored, and that sense of the unknown creates an intriguing allure for children. They love to ponder questions like, “What’s it like to float in space?” or “How do astronauts eat in space?”
Inspiration and Role Models: Astronauts are modern-day heroes who inspire children to dream big and reach for the stars. Many kids dream of becoming astronauts themselves one day!
Printable activities and themed sets: Are you looking for some fun activities to do with the kids?
This space activity pack includes fun games to practice sight words, identifying alphabet uppercase and lowercase, ABC order, CVC rhyming, positional words, alphabet order strips, ABC picture puzzles, ten frame number match, numbers to ten clipping cards, number order picture puzzles, number order strips.
Spacecraft and Rocketships: The fascinating rockets and spacecraft used by astronauts to travel to space make for an exciting visual element that captivates young minds.
Aliens and Space Creatures: The idea of encountering strange creatures in outer space fuels their imagination and adds a touch of magic to the concept.
How to teach kids all about astronauts
Now that we know why kids are so fascinated by astronauts, let’s explore some fantastic ways to teach them about the brave men and women who venture into the final frontier.
Storytime from Space: One of the best ways to introduce the topic is through stories. There are several children’s books about astronauts that are both informative and entertaining. For example, “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed, which is based on the life of astronaut Mae Jemison, or “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield, inspired by his real-life experiences.
Virtual Field Trips: Take your little explorers on a virtual field trip to a space agency or an astronaut training center. Several organizations offer virtual tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at astronaut life and space missions.
Hands-on Science Experiments: Engage kids with interactive experiments that simulate the effects of space travel, such as creating astronaut food, observing how objects float in microgravity, or building a model rocket.
Role Play and Dress-up: Encourage children to role-play as astronauts, wearing makeshift spacesuits, and engaging in imaginary space missions. This activity not only boosts their creativity but also helps them understand the challenges astronauts face.
Printable space crafts for kids
Now, let’s dive into the highlight of this article – the printable space crafts! These crafts are not only fun and engaging but also provide an excellent opportunity to reinforce learning about astronauts and space.
Astronaut Helmet: Your little astronaut will need a sturdy helmet before embarking on their space journey. Print out the helmet template on cardstock paper and let the kids decorate it with markers, stickers, or even some tin foil to give it that authentic astronaut look.
Rocket Ship: Every space explorer needs a rocket ship to travel through the cosmos. Print out the rocket template, cut along the outline, and then fold and glue it to create a 3D rocket. Kids can color it to their heart’s content and imagine all the exciting planets they’ll visit.
Alien Mask: Fuel their imagination with an alien mask template! Let kids color the alien mask, punch holes on the sides, and attach a string or elastic band to wear it around their heads. They can become friendly intergalactic beings on their space adventures!
Space Exploration Board Game: Print out the game board template and create a fun board game with space-themed challenges and trivia questions related to astronauts and space. This activity is not only enjoyable but also a great way to reinforce their knowledge.
Astronaut Craft step by step
Now, let’s walk through the astronaut craft activity step by step. You can do this with a group of kids, your own children, or as part of a classroom lesson.
>> Get the template for this craft below, sign up to download the free template
Materials needed:
- Colored craft papers
- Cardstock paper
- Craft glue
- Sharpie
- Scissors
- Pencil
- TP roll
Instructions:
Step 1:
Select cardstock paper for the suit and helmet patterns and select different colored craft papers for the other patterns. Trace the template patterns on the selected craft papers using pencil and cut them out using scissors.
Step 2:
Attach the hair cutout on the head cutout, along the top part. Use sharpie to draw the eyes on the eye base cutouts.
Step 3:
Attach the ear parts on both sides of the helmet base cutout and attach the 3rd arch-shaped cutout on the top side of the helmet base.
Step 4:
Attach the helmet glass cutout in the center of the helmet base and attach the eye cutouts along the top part of the head, below the hair.
Step 5:
Use a sharpie to draw the nose and mouth of the papercraft astronaut figure and to trace outlines on the helmet parts.
Step 6:
Attach the head pattern on the glass part of the helmet.
Step 7:
Prepare a piece of cardstock paper to cover the outer surface of the empty TP roll.
Step 8:
Attach the suit pattern cutouts on the prepared paper.
Step 9:
Attach the boot cutouts on the bottom side of the prepared paper (suit base) and attach the square cutout in the middle of the suit base. Use sharpies to draw buttons on the square piece.
Step 10:
Cover the empty TP roll with the suit base pattern and use glue to secure it.
Step 11:
Attach the papercraft astronaut head pattern on the top end of the paper covered TP roll to complete the craft. Use sharpies or paper cutouts to add more details if you want to.
There you have it – a fun and educational astronaut craft activity that will leave your little learners over the moon with excitement! By incorporating engaging activities like this, we can inspire a lifelong love for learning and exploration in our young minds.
Let’s continue to nurture their curiosity and watch them reach for the stars as they embark on their educational journey.
If you’re looking for a fun homeschool chemistry curriculum, this would set you up for the year.
Crafts That Blast Off Fine Motor Skills
Rocket Ship Craft:Let’s begin our cosmic journey with an easy-to-make rocket ship craft.
Using the free template provided, kids can cut out the rocket shape from white paper and color it to their heart’s desire.
Encourage them to use their fine motor skills as they glue popsicle sticks to the backside of the rocket, transforming it into a 3D masterpiece. This craft is a fantastic way to engage their creativity and explore the concept of space travel.
Astronaut Helmet Craft:Now that we have a rocket, our young space explorers need astronaut helmets for their cosmic missions! Using the free template available, kids can cut out the helmet piece from sturdy cardstock.
As they assemble the helmet, they can also decorate it with aluminum foil to give it that authentic astronaut look.
This craft not only enhances fine motor skills but also sparks imaginative play as they wear their astronaut helmets and embark on daring adventures.
Out-of-This-World Space Crafts
Moon Craft:What’s a space journey without a visit to the moon? This delightful craft allows kids to create their very own lunar surface.
Using black construction paper, children can cut out moon shapes and then use crumpled aluminum foil to add texture and dimension to their moons. This craft is a perfect activity to introduce the concept of space exploration and the Apollo missions that planted the American flag on the moon.
Adorable Alien Crafts:No space adventure is complete without meeting friendly aliens!
Kids can let their imaginations soar as they create adorable alien creatures. Using colored paper, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes, they can craft their unique extraterrestrial friends.
This craft is a fantastic opportunity for kids to exercise their fine motor skills while creating characters from distant galaxies.
Engaging Space Unit Activities
Themed Crafts Collage:Take your space unit to a whole new level with a themed crafts collage.
Provide a variety of materials such as colored paper, stickers, glitter, and markers, and let the kids unleash their creativity. From rockets and planets to astronauts and spaceships, they can create a magnificent space-themed collage that showcases their love for the cosmos.
Educational Rocket Launch Experiment:Combine fun with learning as you conduct a rocket launch experiment. Kids can use simple materials like film canisters, baking soda, and vinegar to create mini rockets.
The fizzy chemical reaction propels the “rocket” into the air, providing an interactive and engaging way to learn about propulsion and the science behind space travel.
Fun Activities for Kids of All Ages
Space-Themed Memory Game:Test memory and space knowledge with a space-themed memory game.
Using index cards or craft paper, kids can draw or paste images related to outer space, like stars, planets, rockets, and aliens.
Flip the cards over and let the memory-matching madness begin! This activity is enjoyable for kids of all ages and can be played individually or in groups.
Space-themed Sensory Bin:Create an immersive sensory experience with a space-themed sensory bin.
Fill a large container with rice or sand and hide small space-themed toys, mini astronauts, and colorful planets within. Kids can use their fine motor skills to dig and explore the sensory bin, enhancing their tactile and imaginative play.
Happy space exploring, everyone!
