Astronomy Activities for Middle-School Kids

Middle-schoolers are often fascinated by astronomy. The material and subject matter, however, can be complex and abstract. Engage your students in the study of stars, planets, galaxies and space travel by incorporating a wide variety of activities, projects and field trips that will appeal to different types of learners in your classroom. You can also use cable channel documentaries as a resource.

Solar System Activities

Introducing your class to basic facts about our solar system is a wonderful way to make astronomy relevant to middle-schoolers. Have students help create a mathematically scaled solar system on a classroom bulletin board. Take into account both the planet size and distance from the sun. After doing this, allow students to complete a research project on their favorite planet. Students can share their findings in a solar system fair. Finally, have students explore what life would be like on another planet, such as Mars, by asking them to think critically and write creatively.

Stars and Constellations

After a lesson on a star’s function, allow students to explore constellations in the night sky by having them create a star journal that details the stars they see each night in the sky. Discuss how astronomers use the moving constellations to mark astronomical shifts in time. When students share observations in class, demonstrate how the stars were also once used as compasses by seafaring explorers. As a culminating project, allow students to create a mock night sky on the classroom ceiling by using cutout stars to make constellations.

Space Travel

Students can conduct research on the history of space travel by visiting their school or local library and using school-approved websites. Have students study the famous astronauts such as John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. Allow them to also research our country's space achievements, such as traveling to the moon, orbiting Earth and creating satellites and space stations. As a final project, allow students to build their own model spaceships using found objects, such as boxes, milk cartons, popsicle sticks and aluminum foil from their homes. Students can share their spaceships with peers by creating a class launch pad.

Experiencing Space in the Classroom and Out

Many towns and cities have public museums, planetariums and observatories that are open to schools and visitors. Schedule trips to expose children to scientists and exhibits in your areas. If leaving the classroom is not an option, use documentaries, photos and computer programs to enhance your students' understanding of the universe. Educational documentaries and series, such as "Spacewalkers" and "Stephen Hawking's Guide to the Universe" on the Discovery Channel, can draw children in visual ways.

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