Build a Space Probe
Recommended for: Ages 5 and up
Badges: Maryland Skies, Ready for Space
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Download this activity as a PDF - no electricity required to complete.
A space probe is an unmanned robotic spacecraft that is launched from Earth into space. It has different tools on it that help gather information about other planets or moons. There are lots of different space probes, that collect different information about very different harsh environments.
In this activity, you can design and build a space probe for exploring another planet.
What You Need
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Cardboard (any size)
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Tape
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Scissors
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Recyclable materials from around the house (toilet paper rolls, cotton balls, aluminum foil)
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Wonder
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Where will your space probe travel?
What types of environments will your space probe need to withstand? Will it be very hot or very cold?
How will it get around? Will it need to travel over rocks, through lava, or under water?
What special tools will your explorer have to help it on its mission?
How will your probe "talk" with you back on Earth?
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Look
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Explore what some real space probes look like here: https://kids.kiddle.co/Space_probe
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Build
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Now it’s time to build your space probe! Use recyclable materials from around your house.
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Wonderlog
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Want to complete this task towards collecting a Wondernaut badge? Share with the Wondernaut community by posting a picture of your space explorer. Describe the planet your space probe is meant to explore. Tell us about the special tools you included in its design.
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