Whoosh bottle (teach with space)

In this activity, alcohol and air are mixed in a large plastic water bottle before being ignited, to simulate the physics principles of...

Mission to Mars

This resource is set in the context of challenges encountered in getting to, landing on and living on Mars.

The resource covers some mathematics, physics and biology:

• Launch crew: How many people can you fit in different spacecraft modules.  Mathematics.
• Launch aerodynamics: Investigate...

Are we alone: the search for planets beyond our Solar System

This exciting resource consists of nine practical activities based upon the search for exoplanets, (planets beyond our own solar system), where life may exist. Aimed at primary children aged 7–11, activities are based around working scientifically  and link to many aspects of the science curriculum including; space...

Barycentric balls: orbits and the centre of mass

This resource looks at the concept of a centre of mass, for a rotating body, or barycentre, using the principals of moments.  An demonstration activity is suggested, using tennis balls secured together will string.  A video linked to this activity is performed on the International Space Station, by ESA Astronaut,...

Marble-ous ellipses: speed and time of orbiting bodies

This activity puts speed-time graphs in a space context by looking at the elliptical orbits. 

In order to understand the orbits of planets, comets and other celestial bodies, it is necessary to examine the principles of how gravity, and the velocity of an object, interact to produce an orbit. It is a common...

Cloud chamber: radioactivity in a cosmic setting

Cloud chambers are boxes specially made to detect charged particles and radiation. In this activity, a cloud chamber, made from a plastic fish tank or terrarium, is used to observe alpha and beta particles.  The suggested source used in the cloud chamber is a thoriated welding rod.  Dry ice is used ...

Tell-tale signs of a shooting star: comets, meteors and craters in the solar system

In this activity, children learn that a shooting star or meteor is a piece of rock that lights up as it travels through the Earth’s atmosphere. They also work scientifically to investigate how craters are formed when a meteor...

Meet the EO Detectives

Earth Observation (EO) scientists collect information about the Earth – the land, the sea and the atmosphere – using sensors carried on satellites, aircraft, ships, buoys floating on the ocean and thousands of weather stations around the world. There is now a great deal of data available and scientists are finding...

Inspired by space: engaging girls in STEM

This guide supports educators in inspiring all children to enjoy activities relating to STEM subjects, in particular girls. It looks at statistics of women in STEM roles and introduces many female...