Take advantage of children's natural fascination with outer space and space travel with this science unit study! What child doesn't like to pretend he's an astronaut, flying a spaceship to a distant planet or yet to be discovered galaxy? Channel that curiosity into the creation of a space lapbook! It is so much fun, the children won't realize that they are "doing school!"
Space Lapbook Photos
The photos below are of my own daughter's space lapbook.
Space Lapbook Cover
Inside view
Rocket Book
Rocket Book one flap...
Animals in space tri...
Left side mini-books
Inside The Way Plane...
Inside Space Shuttle...
Our Solar System boo...
Inside Our Solar Sys...
Another page of Our...
Phases of Moon -- fl...
Satellites mini-book
Types of Galaxies
Types of Galaxies op...
Space Related Topics
Space is a broad topic that offers an abundance of possible mini-book subjects. You may want your lapbook to cover a specific tangent, or you may want a broad overview. Consider these topics as you plan.- Our solar system -- the sun, planets, and moons
- Stars
- Galaxies
- Qualities of outer space
- Space travel
- Living in Space
- Comets, meteors, meteorites
- Satelites
- Animals in space
- History of space travel (timeline) and famous expeditions
- Spacecraft
Space Reproducibiles
Each of these resources is a reproducible book that can easily be used in lapbooking.
Theme Pockets - July
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Used Price: $7.99
ScienceWorks for Kids: Exploring Space
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 10/07/2008)
Used Price: $4.99
Giant Science Resource Book: Grades 1-6
This book is not exclusively about space, but does have a whole section about the solar system. I have used this book over and over in our science studies. To preview the entire contents, see Google Books.
Amazon Price: $17.81 (as of 10/07/2008)
Used Price: $15.49
Air and Space Coloring and Activity Book
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Used Price: $4.50
History of Space Exploration Coloring Book (Colouring Books)
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 10/07/2008)
Used Price: $0.01
Free Space Related Coloring Pages
Coloring pages are so versatile! They can be used for the cover of the lapbook. Or print them small for minibook pages. The individual graphics can also be cut off of the pages for children who prefer not to draw.- A Solar System Coloring Book
- A cover page, a page for the sun, each planet, and even comets and asteroids! Each page has a small picture and informational text.
- Space Exploration Coloring Pages
- From space stations to astronauts! Many choices are here -- all detailed, realistic images.
- Edupics Space Exploration
- A variety of images -- both fanciful and realistic.
- Funschool's Space Pages
- A small selection of pages -- planets, things to use in outer space, and an astronaut.
Space Related Art and Creations
I hope these Flickr images will inspire your own space themed creations!
Space Reference Books
Astronomy Printables
for minibooks
These printables all deal with astronomy -- the science of heavenly bodies. Many of them will require a bit of adaptation but can easily be used to create minibooks. Some of them are basically print and go! Be sure to scroll down to the additional space exploration printables. There are some great ones!- Arty Astronaut Teacher Guide
- This is a well designed reproducible of several pages. Besides covering the solar system, it also includes a crossword and a word search puzzle.
- Live and Learn Press Astronomy Lapbook
- Although this free lapbook kit was designed to accompany Apologia's Astronomy curriculum, it is general enough to be easily used with any study of space. This is a valuable printable!
- Notebooking2Learn Yahoo Group
- Join this group and you'll have access to a homeschooling mom's homemade lapbooking pdf templates for Apologia's Exploring Creation With Astronomy. She is uploading files as her children work through the curriculum.
- Our Very Own Star: The Sun
- This is actually a book! Print it in small format for a pre-made minibook, or use the graphics for your own book.
- Planets Printable
- This is my favorite planets printable! Print it onto sticker paper, color the planets, cut them out, and affix them onto orbit paths that you create.
- Enchanted Learning
- This site is a standby for printables.
- Moon Phases Circle Book #1
- This circle book turns with the aid of a paper fastener. This version is appropriate for younger children. If you find it too simplistic, try the next link.
- Moon Phases Circle Book #2
- This is the same format as the book template above but slightly more advanced. If you find the graphic of the wizard on the cover to be distracting, just cover it up with your own more appropriate image that suits the scientific nature of this resource.
- Phases of the Moon
- These cards would be great for a lapbook. Simply make a pocket and stick them in.
- Constellations of the Zodiac
- Don't let the mention of zodiac fool you. This resource is not about horoscopes. It's purely scientific. These strips can be cut out and stapled for an instant minibook.
- Galaxies
- There are two great, full color resources here. Look for links to Galaxy Trading Cards as well as the Classroom Activity. Make a minibook with the four shapes of galaxies.
- Solar System Trading Cards
- Another full color resource! Just print and go.
- Planet Roll Call
- A quality reproducible from Scholastic.
- Maria's Comet Lapbook
- This FREE unit study is complete with minibook printables! The ideas revolve around a novel -- Maria's Comet, about a girl who dreams of being an astronomer who discovers a comet.
Solar System Lapbook
These Solar System lapbook photos are posted on Flickr. Click on individual photos for a closer view.
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Used Book Bargains
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Links to Space Lapbooks
For more photos of space lapbooks, visit these links.- Solar System Lapbook
- This is a great Photobucket slideshow!
- Astronomy Lapbooks
- This site has large, clear photographs and links to more details about how the lapbook was made. This is a great resource!
- Space and Flight Lapbook
- This webpage features a very comprehensive lapbook including not only space but also flight.
- Just Call Me Jamin's Astronomy Lapbook
- This lapbook was made mainly from a bought set from Knowledge Box Central.
- Solar System Pocket/Lapbook
- Fifteen images of a very creative lapbook which incorporates some elements "pockets" -- storing things in folder pockets.
- Solar System Lapbook
- The Bonny Blue House offers a few images of their solar system lapbook.
- Hearts for His Glory Blog
- You've got to see the cover of this space lapbook! The astronauts' faces are the children! Very cute. What a great idea to personalize the study.
YouTube Space Video
Listen and Learn
audio and audiovisual resources
These links are especially good for your auditory learners!- Astronomy Songs
- You can listen to these educational songs for free online (but you can't download them). These are really useful for helping children memorize facts in a fun way. Song titles include Milky Way Ballad, Why Do the Stars Twinkle, Planet Minuet, and many more!
- NASA's Space Place Podcasts
- Podcasts answer questions such as
Why do the planets orbit the sun?
Could you fly through a gas planet?
Why are stars different sizes?
These would be best for intermediate students. - Apple Quick Time Movies -- Space
- These well done, educational Quick Time movies are divided into three age ranges (elementary, middle school, and high school). Each video has an accompanying PDF lesson plan.
Graphics and Images
for your minibooks
- The Space Place's Image Gallery
- Categories include the Solar System; Earth; Earth's Moon; Astronauts; Stars, Galaxies, and Nebulae; and Rockets, Space Shuttles, International Space Station, Rovers.
- Classroom Clipart -- Space
- Free Clip Art, Illustrations and Photographs all dealing with space.
- Educational Technology Clearninghouse
- Old fashioned, black and white images of astronomy. These are free for educational use.
Space Exploration and Travel
Space Exploration Printables
- 3... 2... 1... Liftoff! Educator Guide
- This PDF from NASA has lots of lesson ideas. But the part you want is the graphics section on pages 81-96. There are some GREAT printables: coloring pages, space shuttle parts, a rocket pattern (a super shape book template), flashcard or gamecard templates, shuttle sequence cards, and is a nice diagram of a rocket from launch to orbit. This is an excellent resource you don't want to miss if your study of space includes rockets and space shuttles!
- Space Day Tool Kit
- This teacher's resource (in both Word and PDF) from Lockheed Martin has lesson plans for flight and space related studies. There are reproducible student pages, a timeline of astronomy, and some attractive graphics.
- Space Capsule Trifold Template
- This is a template I designed. Fill it with facts about space travel. We wrote about animals in space!
- Topex/Poseidon Satellite Printables
- If you're looking for printables about satellites, this is the link for you -- many options for coloring sheets and puzzles.
- Create a Space Habitat
- Printables to create a space habitat: astronaut suits, control panels, equipment racks, viewport, and airlock.
- Rocket Trifold Minibook Template
- This is an adorable free printable from Homeschool Share!
Lapbook Extras
Have a little fun with puzzles, paperdolls, board games, and more.- Making Friends Astronaut Page
- These cute astronaut clothes can be printed in color or black and white. Dolls are also free to print!
- Funschool Space Word Puzzles
- Very attractive PDF word puzzles! (Be sure to go on to page 2 for more options.)
- Space Word Search
- Over thirty words from Apollo to Venus in a no frills wordsearch.
- Simpler Space Word Search
- A smaller, simpler version for younger students.
- Fall Into a Black Hole Board Game
- Print out these files from NASA in color or black and white to make your own educational board game.
Notebooking Pages and Themed Stationery
These printables can be used for copywork or notebooking. If you print the pages in a small format, they can be bound together as a minibook!- Notebooking Pages Freebie
- Look for the free PDF of Free Astronomy Notebooking Pages called --Basic Pages with Constellation Pages. This is an attractive notebooking set with both lines and room to draw.
- Jeannie Fulbright's Notebooking Pages
- These are made to accompany Apologia Science curriculum, but they are general enough that you can use them with any study of space. Click on the astronomy icons. The large one is a link to pages with more lines for proficient writers, and the smaller links is for children not quite as adept at writing.
- Thematic Writing Paper
- Look for the Astronomy paper. There is a thick lined and a thin lined version. These are very attractive pages!
- Solar System Printable Paper
- Many lined journal pages with a graphic of each planet, a satellite, an astronomer, and more.
Activities
Spice up your unit study with some hands-on learning or interactive play!- How Big is the Solar System?
- Recreate a model of the solar system with these directions. This is an excellent way to give students a concrete grasp of the vastness of space.
- Build a Space Station
- This PDF gives you templates for making a paper model of a space station.
- Lunar Lander Papercraft
- This is an advanced papercraft for an older child.
- Solar System in Motion Song
- This PDF includes a song explaining the constant motion of heavenly bodies.
Guestbook
Feel free to comment or contact me.
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chucknp
Great lens. We homeschooled our two kids and although my wife did 90% of it, I did astronomy with them. They're in college now and apparently weren't harmed by my attempts... I wish I'd seen your lens and lapbooking then! I like your topic of animals in space - that's a great thing to draw the interest of kids. 5 stars. Posted September 26, 2008 |
Wow what an awesome find! I am working with our co-op and doing a lapbook about astronomy, you have sure made it easy for me. Thanks so much!!!
Mary
Posted September 16, 2008
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Jewelsofawe
You do great work and must be very good at teaching. I'm impressed and am learning too. Great stuff! Posted September 15, 2008 |
Jimmie, WOW, thanks for all the incredible links. We'll be busy checking them out and working on our next lapbook. Again, thanks!
Posted August 06, 2008
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Greekgeek
Fabulous lens, lots of great original pictures and resources for kids! I love all the coloring books. Posted March 21, 2008 |
