Student Video: The International Space Station
Look up! That bright speck racing across the night sky might be the International Space Station! Discover the marvel of the ISS — a laboratory, a home, and a symbol of the future orbiting 250 miles above Earth. Poem by Linda Kulp Trout. Video by Lauren Vincent, Second Place Winner in our 2026 STEAM Poetry Video Contest.
 | CATEGORY:science, technology | GRADE LEVEL:Middle Grade |
DOWNLOADS:
ACTIVITIES:
Space Glove Challenge
In this activity, students will discover how challenging simple tasks become when astronauts wear bulky space gloves. Wearing ski gloves, they complete timed activities such as stacking coins or building with Legos™. Have students record their results and compare how long each task takes with and without gloves.
Design an Astronaut Food Packet
In zero gravity, crumbs and liquids can float everywhere, so astronauts need special packaging to keep messes under control. Bring the ISS to your classroom by having students pack their own space food in pouches and sealable bags. They can sort foods by shelf life, create astronaut snack packs, and discover how space food is prepared for life in orbit. https://www.spacerangerfred.com/2025/12/18/what-do-astronauts-eat/
Nasa’s EO KIDS Magazine (Free PDF)
Learn what it takes to be a space photographer on the International Space Station. Build your landform recognition skills like an astronaut, play the Data Detective game, “What on Earth is That?”, and more! https://science.nasa.gov/kids/earth/eo-kids/picturing-earth-from-the-space-station/
International Space Station Activity Kit
This NASA booklet tells the story of the space station to a wide range of learners. All activities are designed to engage students and educators in NASA’s missions and to encourage students to study and pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interests.
https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/international_space_station_activity_kit.pdf
Track the ISS Across the Sky
Students can enter their city to find out when the ISS will pass overhead and sign up for sighting alerts. They can keep a simple observation journal and imagine what astronauts see while orbiting Earth every 90 minutes. Visit NASA’s official “Spot the Station” website: https://www.nasa.gov/spot-the-station/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
CRAFT:
Doodle Lou's "Race to the International Space Station"
Get ready for an out-of-this-world craft that's as fun to make as it is to play with! Using simple paper cups and easy-to-find supplies, young astronauts can build their very own rocket ship—perfect for launching into imaginative adventures. Looking for more space fun? Explore all our free educational resources and keep your young explorers reaching for the stars!
