Air and Space
Air and Space
This week, it's time for a breath of fresh air with activities for inside, outside and even outer space. Track wind speed with your very own anemometer, then record your observations in your science notebook to spot patterns. Or lie back and just watch the clouds roll by … for science! Head inside for our virtual chat with a NASA engineer about the upcoming Artemis lunar mission, or join us for a virtual Star Party. The sky’s the limit!
Ask a Scientist | Facebook Live
Meet an engineer from the Human Landing System (HLS) Program at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The HLS is the final mode of transportation that will take astronauts to the Moon in 2024 as part of the Artemis program. Learn about how spaceflight equipment is designed, from development to testing to delivery.
Make a Vortex Cannon
Explore the physics of air movement! Build and test your very own vortex cannon to manipulate air molecules and create fast-moving blasts of air. How much force can you generate? To find out, try moving a toilet paper tube or blowing out a flame with your device.
Catch the wind and measure its speed with a homemade Robinson anemometer made from recycled materials. Test your anemometer at different times and record your observations in your science notebook. Do you notice any weather patterns?
Weather Instrument
Even though we’re all looking at the same sky, cultures all over the world have created their own constellations to make sense of star patterns. These constellations reflect the stories that were important to the ancient peoples that named them. Ahead of our Star Party on August 15, learn more about Greek and Ojibwe constellations.
Summer Constellations