Summer Science Fun with NASA & STEM
Published:
June 13, 2021
Contributor:
Shannan Swindler
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NASA + STEM = FUN Summer Science Learning
Summer learning needs to be all about fun, right? Even more fun than the rest of the school year. Combining STEM projects & NASA virtual tours are a perfect combination to avoid the summer slide and have fun being curious & creating anytime… but especially in the summer.
3 Reasons Summer is a perfect time for STEM Projects
- You can set up your perfect location and leave it if needed. The garage, the patio, or even the experiments in the pool or ‘back 40’ field will provide the necessary space to launch rockets, explore robots, or experiment with the effects of gravity and weightlessness.
- There is time to ponder. Summer offers the unique opportunity to ponder ideas, try things out and return to the drawing table to perfect a design or approach an idea from a different angle. The long days are perfect for a contemplative walk or an exciting expedition trying out the latest invention.
- Getting creative takes inspiration. Summer is the perfect time to grab all the leftover science supplies from the year. Use them to see what creations and inventions can be made. If it’s too hot to explore outside for inspiration, it’s time to incorporate virtual museums into the creative and scientific process.
STEM Resources for MORE fun at NASA
FREE Resources for Studying Outer Space
FREE Resources About Rockets and Missiles
Printables and Resources About Mars
Free Printables and Worksheets About Space Exploration
FREE Download • Scientific Method Lab Sheet For Science Success
NASA for Summer Virtual & Stem Learning
NASA has recent launched its virtual tour and it is out of this world! Fill those hot summer afternoons with cool museum tours to keep creative science inspiration in the forefront this summer.
Are you ready to explore the Langley Research Center virtually? After watching the video by the NASA director, tap the ‘Explore’ button and get ready for lift-off! There are 17 buildings to choose from! Pick the one that best fits your STEM projects or explore them all for inspiration on what to do next.
If your homeschooler is keen to explore a specific topic, make sure they don’t miss a thing. The handy legend at the top will help them know exactly which buildings to explore. Here’s How the NASA Virtual Tour legend has things organized.
- Explore Flight = Aeronautics
- Explore Earth = Atmospheric Science
- Explore Moon to Mars = Space Technology
- Transformation = Cultural Change and Revitalization
Some NASA Virtual Tour Favorites Include:
- Space with Robotics – Bldg 1293
- Simulating Flight – Bldg 1268A
- Landing and Impact Research – Bldg 1297
- Acoustics Research Lab – Bldg 1208
After exploring, it’s time to start creating & experimenting, and learning even more with hands-on activities. Visit the NASA STEM Engagement website for tons of educational fun organized by age. Parents and teachers can find resources to help lead activities and students can find resources for enjoying science at home. Inspiring the next generation of explorers is NASA’s goal, let’s get homeschoolers on the roster!
More Fun Summer Learning Resources
https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2019/05/fun-summer-learning-experiences-for-all-ages/
https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2021/02/5-ways-to-incorporate-nature-into-your-homeschool-free-nature-calendar/
https://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2019/04/why-your-teen-needs-to-start-a-business-free-summer-business-brainstorm-for-teens-printable/
More Virtual Tours For Your Homeschool
Looking for more virtual tours for your homeschool? This post has everything you need!
