Name_______________
Due Date_____________
Space Contracts- Activity Cluster - Packet 2

To help you succeed in SPACE CONTRACTS, study all the suggestions found in
the early pages of your Student Guide.

As you examine each activity below, note how each is coded for learning style
(one or more of these letters: ( W…O…V…K…M…A… ) and a difficulty factor
(a number from 1 to 4). If the two letters CL appear, they indicate that you may
choose to work with one or more persons in a Cooperative Learning activity.

Your goal is to earn 5 points from this packet by the due date.
1. Make a mobile about space travel or a space station. This stylized art form needs
to be informative as well as attractive. (K/V-2)
2. Build a model of a rocket launching site. Have two or three different kinds of
rockets displayed on the launching pad. You may also wish to place a model of the
space shuttle at your site. Work hard to be inventive with materials (i.e., ‘oatmeal or
other cylindrical boxes). Your colorful model should be about 18 inches by 18
inches, and it should help viewers better understand how an actual site might look.
(K-3) CL
3. Construct a realistic salt-dough model of the moon’s surface. Build a replica of
a lunar excursion vehicle (LEV). You may use materials such as boxes. , or you
may use building materials such as Legos. Include an index card explaining the
functions of the LEV. (K-2) CL
4. Use at least 25 astronomy vocabulary words to make a crossword puzzle. Your
clues must indicate your knowledge of space and must make the puzzle worker think.
Study several Crossword puzzles to become familiar with the format. Suggestìon: graph
paper will help you with the layout or you could use an online puzzle maker. Provide
the answers on a separate sheet of paper. (W-2)
5. Use at least 30 astronomy vocabulary words to make a word search. Turn in the
key on a separate sheet of paper. Use graph paper, or type on a computer to help
make a neat layout. (W-1)
6. Use at least 25 astronomy vocabulary words to make a scrambled word sheet.
Provide a knowledge-based clue for each scrambled word. Be very neat. Turn in the
key on a separate sheet of paper. (W-2) ex: Third planet from the sun……. thaer. (earth)
SPACE CONTRACTS-2
7. Make a paper mache model of a planet of your choice. It is best to begin with
a round balloon as your base. You will need to begin well ahead of time in order for
three or four layers of paper mache to have time to dry in between layers. Study
your planet in order to make your model as accurate as possible. (K-3) if one
person (K-2 if CL) There are several paper mache recipes online. Chose the one
that works best for you.
8. Make a shadow box of the solar system. Planets should be placed in the
correct order. While it is impossible to accurately depict relative size and
distance, at least make an attempt to let the viewer see the differences. (V-2) CL
9. Make a collage of space exploration. This should be a poster on heavy-weight paper
(tag board, or similar). Be sure to attend to artistic considerations (i.e., color, balance)
and avoid large empty space. (Old news magazines and National Geographics are
sources for pictures and drawings. (V-1) CL
10. Create a board game using the theme of inter-planetary travel. Be sure
to incorporate space facts and information. The players should have to think
and make choices based on knowledge. The final product should be large,
durable, attractive, and have clear directions. It should be able to be played
by two to four players. You may want to consider use of dice, spinners, and cards to
draw as a means of advancing the game. Old games (from your closet or a thrift shop)
are an excellent source for a game board you can re-cover or paint. (V-3) CL
11. Build a model space station or a “moon city.” Design it in such a way that
people do not have to wear space suits. Consider the needs of an extended stay
in space (i.e., food, health, medical, exercise, recreation, etc.). Label and explain
items for the viewer. (K/V-3) CL
12. Prepare and present a skit of landing on another planet and meeting the residents
there. Think about your fears, their fears, your reactions, their reactions, and your
attempts to communicate. How will you (remember the language barrier) explain who
you are and where you are from? (Be sure you plan how to communicate with body
language as well as spoken words.) Use two to four people. You must have costumes
and whatever else helps to set the scene. This skit should be about 5 five minutes in
length. Bring finished skit on a DVD, a flash drive, or upload to YouTube. (K-3) CL
SPACE CONTRACTS-2
13. Make a space suit and demonstrate it to the class. Consider using
recyclable materials such as a milk jugs, or 2 liter bottles. For the
helmet, a covered bike/motorcycle helmet could be used. Don’t forget a
hose for the power pack. Make controls, straps, etc. Draw symbols. (K3) CL
14. Read several Greek, Roman, Norse, or Native American myths. Determine the
characteristics of myths. Create your own myth about meteors. Tell it to an audience
using PowerPoint. (O/W-2)
15. Read and research several kinds of poetry. Choose any two forms (i.e., cinquain,
haiku, limerick, couplet, triplet or other forms as your teacher may suggest). Write at
least four poems about the Milky Way, the moon, the solar system, or space travel.
Options: a) carefully letter and mount the poetry for a bulletin board display; b) carefully
type and create a poetry booklet. You will need to read your 2 of your poems to the
class for full credit. (O/W-3)
16. Create 10 story problems for math concerning interplanetary travel. Include
fractions, decimals, time or money in more than five of the problems. Turn in
an answer sheet. (W-3) 2 pages for Math problems and 1 page for answer
key.
Helpful Recipes:
Salt Dough
A cup salt
2 cups of flour
¾ cup of water
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large bowl mix salt and flour together.
2. Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a
doughy consistency.
3. Turn the dough onto the bench and kneed with your
hands until smooth and combined.
4. Make your creations using the salt dough.
5. Place the salt dough creations into the oven at 180C.
The amount of time needed to bake depends on the
size and thickness of the salt dough creations.
Paper-Mache Recipes
You can use basic white craft or school non-toxic glue to make a very effective
quick-drying paper mache mixture.
Glue-Based Paper mache Recipe
1 cup warm water
2 cups white glue (not paste) in a large bowl, combine water and glue. Stir well
with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth. (Be sure to use this quick-drying
paper-mache immediately, while it is fresh and workable.)
Flour-Based Paper mache Recipe
2 cups of water
2 cups of white flour (unsifted)
1 tablespoon salt. In a large bowl, combine water, flour and salt. Stir well with a
wooden spoon, until mixture becomes smooth and pasty. Flour-based paper
mache should be used right away, while it holds its best consistency. Once you
have prepared your paper mache mixture, you will be ready to begin your art
and craft project. One at a time, dip newsprint strips into your paper mache
mixture (whichever of the three paper mache recipes you have prepared). Be
sure to coat the newsprint paper thoroughly. Slide each paper mache coated
newsprint strip between two fingers to remove gloppy excesses. Now place the
coated paper onto your paper mache model, pattern or form. Smooth out the
wrinkles. Continue this process until you have completely covered your paper
mache model, pattern or form. Allow it to dry completely (probably overnight)
before painting your completed paper mache project with acrylic, poster or
tempera paints.