Houston, We're Headed to NASA!

Sometimes I apply for things I don't believe I have any real chance of getting, because you only live once, right? And sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised when I open a "Congratulations!" email informing me that I indeed am a chosen one (but...how??). Recently, one of those things was a VIP opportunity to go to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL and document the experience on social media while representing STEM education in libraries. Ya'll...NASA knows my name!!

I, along with 24 other people across the US, have been selected to attend this year's "State of NASA" event where we'll take a tour of our assigned facility, see current advancing technology being worked on to send humans into space, observe our ever-changing world, and also improve air travel. We'll get to meet scientists, engineers, and managers of NASA's facilities and meet other enthusiasts and members of NASA's social media team. Through Twitter, Instagram, and FB you'll be getting a peek inside NASA's lead center for spacecraft propulsion as I share with my followers. To say I'm jumping-out-of-my-seat ecstatic is an understatement!

If you don't already, be sure to follow me on my social media accounts so you can get real-time updates on February 12th:

Twitter: @LibrarianLisAnn or @TheIndigoQuill
Instagram: @IndigoQuill 
Facebook: SBCPL or The Indigo Quill

Also, be sure to tune into NASATV that day as we will be doing a live simulcast with Administrator Robert Lightfoot as he talks about NASA's continuing progress on their exploration initiative that makes them the leading agency in space.

But I won't be stopping there! Next year's Summer Reading theme is Outer Space, and I will be involved in the CSLP planning process (I got a little excited at one of the state meetings and apparently it didn't go unnoticed), so I will be taking what I learn to the state and continue working to spread the awesomeness of science and space exploration to libraries across the map. In the near future, our library will be utilizing YouTube to share what we are learning and doing as a way to connect with other educators and exchange ideas. Opportunities such as this one are a great way to learn together and connect education to our progressive world and the next generation that will inherit it.

I hope you join me virtually as I hang out with NASA’s MSFC team on February 12th!

Storytime: Outer Space and the Solar System

SPACE STORYTIME

This storytime was SO much fun to plan! Space is just so cool, no matter what age you are. I did this for our Pajama Storytime and our regular Racing to Read Storytime. The ages ranged from 0-6.

BOOKS

Sheep Blast Off! by Nancy Shaw

Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle

A Brave Spaceboy by Dana Kessimakis Smith

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers (optional)

OPENER

I got the idea for this rhyme from a few different blogs, but the original version didn't really work with our space, so I altered it. Only about 3 of the lines stayed the same.

Up to the Ceiling

Up to the ceiling, (stretch both arms overhead)

Down so you’re small. (bend at waist and touch floor)

Right to the bookshelf (stretch arm to right)

Left to the wall. (stretch arm to left)

Right hand, left hand,

Turn them around. (spin hands around each other, 'wheels on the bus style')

Fold them together

And now sit down

BOOK Sheep Blast Off! by Nancy Shaw

BOOK Papa, please get the moon for me by Eric Carle

   

RHYME

The Moon is Round

The moon is round

As round can be (draw circle around baby's face)

Two eyes, a nose,

And a mouth like me

(touch baby on eyes, nose, mouth and give a hug).

BOOK A Brave Spaceboy by Dana Kessimakis Smith

BOOK How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers (optional)

  

PARCHUTE WITH BLOW UP STARS/MOONS ACTIVITY

To "The Really Cool Space Team" by the GiggleBellies

ACTIVITY STATIONS

Star Walk Kids app on the iPad $2.99

If you haven't used this app before, it's an absolute must. I have the adult version on my own phone because it's just so cool! In a nutshell, you can move your tablet or smartphone around and the app will show you where the stars/planets/satellites/etc. are in relation to where you're standing. 

Doodle on the Moon via mrprintables

Space Sensory Box via Life Over C's

Constellation Telescopes via The Homeschool Scientist

You can make your own, or use this printable to show them what constellations are what and poke the holes accordingly: Constellation Patterns

Printables

Tesco Living

Kids Activities Blog

Kids Puzzles and Games

RECEPTION: Everyone LOVED the Star Walk Kids app. The parents kept asking me to write it down for them (usually I provide print outs of the apps I use and their prices, but I guess I forgot this time!). The kids had a lot fun with the parachute and even the sensory bin. This was probably my favorite storytime so far!

Follow My Space Board on Pinterest.