Posted byLindsay FoustSeptember 11, 2021November 7, 2023Posted inPreschool ThemeTags:aliens, dramatic play, fun activities for kids, moon, NASA, planets, preschool, preschool activities, preschool stem, preschoolscience, schoolactivities, sensory bin, space
STEM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Aliens
- Alien shapes- worksheet and flash card (I made these on Canva)
- Crayons/pencil/marker
I printed my worksheets double sided to save paper. Use the flash cards to teach children the shape, Have them identify it on their worksheet, and then trace the shape and the word.
Orbiting
- Printouts Here
- Magnet discs
- Magnet wand
Discuss what it means to orbit, and what orbits in space. Have kids place the magnet disc on the starting image (earth for the sun, moon for the earth). Place the magnetic wand under the page as you hold it up. Drag the disc around the circle to make it orbit.
Planet Sensory Bottles
- Tall empty bottles
- Glitter
- Star/space confetti
- Light (color) corn syrup
- Dish soap
- Water
- Food coloring
You can purchase empty bottles on amazon however they aren’t as tall, or find tall water bottles at the store (I have done both and like the taller bottles better) . Save them as you finish the water inside of them. To remove the label and adhesive, create a paste with equal parts olive oil and baking soda, and then rub it all over the bottle. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes and then wipe it down with soap, warm water and a rough sponge. Have kids add glitter/confetti/color to the bottles that represent that planet. Fill the bottles about 2/3 with water and the rest with corn syrup. Add a few drops of dish soap, close the lid tight and shake to mix! Ratios aren’t exact and can be adjusted. The more corn syrup you use the slower the glitter will fall.
Play Dough Planets
- Play dough
- Glitter
- Confetti
- Buttons
- Etc.
I displayed all of my items and had kids create and name their own planets!
Sensory Bin
Aliens
- Aliens
- Black rice/dark filler
- Green items
- Mini pie tin
- Black rainbow pompom
- Etc.
Add materials to your sensory bin and explore the life of the aliens!
Moon landing
- White sand
- White pompoms
- Rocks
- Rocket
- Astronauts
- Scooping tools
Add materials to the sensory bin and explore the moon!
Planets
- Planet printouts
- Planet model
- Space tins
- Astronauts- alphabet match is available 👉🏻here
- Rockets
- Black filler
Add materials to the sensory bin and blast off!
Dramatic Play
Alien Cafe
- Space tablecloths
- Alien glasses
- Alien antennae headband
- Play food
- Menu
- Hulu Hoops
- Etc.
Set up your cafe and have kids serve, order, and deliver alien food!
Planets
- Inflatable planets from amazon
- Space table cloths
Not very creative on my end here 😂. Blow up your planets and let your kids have a ball 👌🏻.
NASA
- NASA checklist
- Space table cloth
- Poster board
- Push lights
- Play food
- File folders
- Badges
- Dress up
- Etc.
Set up your NASA training station, and have your engineers get to work!
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Expert Introduction
As a passionate educator and STEM enthusiast, I have extensive experience in developing and implementing engaging and effective preschool activities, particularly in the field of science and space exploration. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in designing and conducting interactive learning experiences for young children, as well as my deep knowledge of early childhood development and educational best practices.
Preschool Space Activities
The article by Lindsay Foust showcases a variety of exciting and educational activities designed to introduce preschoolers to the wonders of space, planets, and space exploration. Let's delve into the concepts and materials used in these activities:
Aliens and Alien Shapes
- Concepts: Shapes, identification, tracing
- Materials: Worksheet, flashcards, crayons/pencils/markers
Orbiting
- Concepts: Orbital motion, magnetism
- Materials: Printouts, magnet discs, magnet wand
Planet Sensory Bottles
- Concepts: Planetary characteristics, viscosity, density
- Materials: Tall empty bottles, glitter, confetti, corn syrup, dish soap, water, food coloring
Play Dough Planets
- Concepts: Creativity, fine motor skills
- Materials: Play dough, glitter, confetti, buttons
Sensory Bin
- Concepts: Imaginative play, sensory exploration
- Materials: Black rice/dark filler, green items, mini pie tin, black rainbow pompom
Moon Landing
- Concepts: Lunar surface, space exploration
- Materials: White sand, pompoms, rocks, rocket, astronauts, scooping tools
Planets
- Concepts: Planetary exploration, sensory experience
- Materials: Planet printouts, planet model, space tins, astronauts, rockets
Dramatic Play
- Concepts: Role-playing, imagination
- Materials: Space tablecloths, alien glasses, play food, menu, hula hoops
NASA
- Concepts: Space exploration, astronaut training
- Materials: Checklist, poster board, push lights, play food, file folders, badges, dress-up items
These activities effectively engage preschoolers in the exploration of space, fostering their curiosity and understanding of scientific concepts in a fun and interactive manner.