Junior astronauts activities
These activities were designed to be done with groups of kids in Grades 6 to 9 in schools and youth organizations as part of the Junior Astronauts campaign. Given the current COVID-19 situation, we are opening up the access to the activities so that families can have fun while learning during this time of social distancing. Most of them can be adapted for younger children and be done in a home setting.
Youth wanting to enter the contest to win a spot in our Junior Astronaut camp will be required to prove that they completed at least one activity per stream by sending us an electronic copy of their certificates when they register.
- Science and Technology certificate
- Fitness and Nutrition certificate
- Teamwork and Communication certificate
| Name | Stream | Difficulty | Duration | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Space
Investigate your living space and learn how environmental monitoring can help improve physical and mental health on Earth and in space. This activity was developed by our collaborators at Let's Talk Science. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | Four to eight 50-minute classes | 5Varies depending on lesson |
| Lunar Resupply Mission
Build a lunar lander to send supplies to the Moon. Design, budget, build, and test your lander to safely deliver a payload to the Moon. This activity was developed in collaboration with Brilliant Labs. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 2.5 hours | 4Substantial |
| Under (Air) pressure: Bernoulli's Principle
Discover the force that makes planes fly and learn about the scientific method. This activity was developed by our collaborators at Cosmodôme. |
Science and technology | 1Easy | 60 minutes | 4Substantial |
| Astrobot
Join the Astrobot Challenge! Make a robotic arm while learning programming and using your creativity. This activity was developed by our collaborators at Zone01 Robotics. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 1 to 4 × 45 minutes | 2Minimal |
| How Old Are You on Mars?
Try this introductory coding activity – no previous experience required! All you need is a web browser to determine how old you are on another planet. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 50 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Hovercraft Launch
Construct your own hovercraft while learning about force and the principles of motion. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 50-100 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Searching for Life Beyond Earth
The truth is out there! Formulate a hypothesis about life on other planets. Learn more about the scientific method and its uses. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 2 hours | 3Moderate |
| A map that's out of this world!
This giant map offers a unique view of Canada. Discover how Earth observation satellite data can provide a deeper understanding of the land, oceans and the diverse population of Canada. This activity was developed in collaboration with Canadian Geographic Education and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. |
Science and technology | 2Moderate | 90 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Space Repairs (Even Astronauts Have Chores!)
The treadmill on the International Space Station is broken! Your crew must work together to fix this critical piece of equipment. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 30 minutes | 2Minimal |
| First Steps: Training for Space
Try this test of physical fitness based on the one used during Canada's 2017 Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. You will need balance, strength and endurance to complete this activity. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 30-45 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Piloting Practice
Help your team members successfully navigate through a series of instructions to pilot your spacecraft to the correct destination. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 20 minutes | 3Moderate |
| False Alarm
An alarm is sounding on the International Space Station. Luckily, it's a false alarm, but your crew must work to shut it off. It is a physically and mentally demanding task! This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 30-35 minutes | 3Moderate |
| These Boots are Made for Spacewalking
This activity can be done in two different ways – on land or in a pool. Learn how astronauts must perform complex mental and physical tasks when they execute a spacewalk. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 45 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Are You Ready to Rock?
You've landed on the Moon with your crew. Now it's time to collect some rocks for science! Work together to move across the lunar surface and collect samples to bring back to your Moon base. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 20-25 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Lunar Rescue
One of your crewmembers needs help on the lunar surface. Work together to rescue your crew and return them to safety. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 25-30 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Journey to the Surface of the Earth
Returning to gravity after a long-duration space mission is physically demanding. You and your crew will perform this fitness test to simulate an astronaut's arrival back on Earth. This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 3Difficult | 20-25 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Return and Reconditioning
Once an astronaut returns from space, their job is not done! Astronauts must undergo reconditioning for at least three weeks. Track your exercise, sleep and screen time, and see where you can improve. This activity was reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 30 minutes of class time + homework | 2Minimal |
| Close Encounters of the Tasty Kind
Let your senses guide you! Evaluate different foods to see if they would qualify to bring on a space mission. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada, Aurora College and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6); Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 60 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Trading Spaces: Living and Eating Off Earth
An introductory lesson to life on the International Space Station. Learn how daily life changes when astronauts live and work in microgravity. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6, 9); Science (elementary cycle 3 QC). |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 40 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Soaring in Space with Canada's Food Guide
Use the Canada's Food Guide to plan a meal for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and learn about healthy eating on Earth. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6); Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 70 minutes | 3Moderate |
| Commander's Log: Recording Your Meals
Astronauts must make healthy eating choices aboard the International Space Station, so they track what they eat. Record your meals like an astronaut to discover your eating habits. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 15 minutes + homework | 2Minimal |
| ISS Ingredients: Reading Food Labels
Daily values, percentages, nutrition – it's all a part of being a healthy astronaut! Learn how to read food labels and make informed choices as a junior astronaut – and in your daily life too! This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 65-75 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Healthy Meals in Microgravity
Have you every wondered what types of food are on the International Space Station? Plan a healthy meal for an astronaut using the Canada's Food Guide. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 45 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Keeping Food Safe on Earth and in Space
Learn how to keep food safe during production, processing, distribution and preparation – and why this is important in space too! This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6, 9); Science (secondary cycle 1 QC); Health (grade 9). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 85 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Space Jam! An Astronaut Lunch
Time to eat like an astronaut! Create a meal from food items commonly used on the International Space Station. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada, Aurora College and the Big Little Science Centre. Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 1Easy | 60-70 minutes | 3Moderate |
| O Canada! Food on the International Space Station
Learn about popular foods from all over Canada. Choose a specific dish to send to the International Space Station. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Geography (grade 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 105 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Interplanetary Farming
Growing crops can be a challenge, especially in space. Learn what types of food would best suit farming on the International Space Station, the Moon, and Mars. This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 100 minutes | 4Substantial |
| Master Chef: Mars
Create a snack for a mission to Mars. Learn the requirements for food sent on long-duration missions and considerations such as texture, weight, and, of course, taste! This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College. Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6); Health (grades 6, 8). |
Fitness and nutrition | 2Moderate | 4.5 hours | 3Moderate |
| Survivor: Moon
Do you know what it takes to survive on the Moon? In this activity you will prioritize items your crew needs to return safely to your lunar base. |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 90 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Dragons' Den
You have a great idea that could improve space exploration. Pitch your invention to a panel of experts and convince them to invest in you. This activity was reviewed by the Saskatchewan Science Centre. |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 90 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Deep-Space Diplomacy
There are many sides to deep-space exploration. Time to investigate and debate! |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 85 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Patch Maker, Patch Maker, Make Me a Patch
Every Canadian Space Agency astronaut has an individual and crew mission patch. In this activity you will create an individual patch, and collaborate with a group to create a patch that represents your collective interests and values. |
Teamwork and communication | 1Easy | 1.5 hours | 3Moderate |
| Operation: Negotiation
International collaboration on space projects is essential. As a delegate from a fictional country, you will negotiate with other representatives to fund missions that meet your priorities. |
Teamwork and communication | 3Difficult | several hours (can be separated over a few days) | 2Minimal |
| Take Me Home, Martian Roads
Work together to collect samples on Mars. Use creative thinking, problem solving and communication to achieve your goal. |
Teamwork and communication | 1Easy | 35 minutes | 2Minimal |
| Mars Base: Now Accepting Applications
Interview for a job at the new Mars base. Prove your position is critical to help out and make a difference on the red planet. |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 1.5 hours | 3Moderate |
| Night at the Space Museum
You are the head of a museum in outer space. What is your exhibit about? What objects do you have on display? Learn about space heritage objects while creating your very own exhibit. |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 2.5 hours + homework | 3Moderate |
| Give Your Everything: Be a Champion for Life
Astronauts have a lot in common with Olympic athletes. This activity focuses on mental fitness and how they train their brains just as much as their bodies. This activity was developed by our partners at the Canadian Olympic School Program. This activity was developed by our collaborators at the Canadian Olympic School Program. |
Teamwork and communication | 2Moderate | 30-45 minutes | 2Minimal |
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