Activities and experiments

3D printing models

Download files to 3D print your own miniature models at your school, local library or maker space!

• Science and technology
• Robotics

A map that's out of this world!

This giant map offers a unique view of Canada. Discover how Earth observation satellite data can provide a deeper understanding of the land, oceans and the diverse population of Canada.

This activity was developed in collaboration with Canadian Geographic Education and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.

• Science and technology
• Geography
• Environment

A simple pollination system

Create a pollination system for plants in space that includes at least one simple wheel-and-axle mechanism.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Are You Ready to Rock?

You've landed on the Moon with your crew. Now it's time to collect some rocks for science! Work together to move across the lunar surface and collect samples to bring back to your Moon base.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Asteroid Mystery Box

Learn how astronomers get clues about asteroids from scientific instruments.

• Science and technology

Astrobot

Join the Astrobot Challenge! Make a robotic arm while learning programming and using your creativity.

This activity was developed by our collaborators at Zone01 Robotics.

• Science and technology
• Robotics
• Coding
• Engineering

AstroPi

Develop your own code and it may run on the Space Station! Two different complexity levels make Astro Pi accessible to students with or without coding experience.

This activity is offered to Canadian students thanks to the European Space Agency (AstroPi) and Kids Code Jeunesse.

• Coding

Big and Tall or Short and Small?

See how scientists can study the shape of an asteroid using measurements made on Earth.

• Science and technology

Build a Spacesuit

Ever wondered what it is like to be wearing an astronaut spacesuit? Build similar components than the ones on an actual astronaut's spacesuit.

• Science and technology

Build your own Gateway

Using various materials, build a model of Gateway, which will be built around the Moon in the coming years.

• Moon
• Art
• History
• Solar system
• Design

Build your own projector to watch solar eclipses safely

An eclipse projector provides the ability to safely view the Sun during a solar eclipse. Build your own!

• Science and technology

Can you find all the answers?

Competitive team learning game about the Moon, adapted from the popular game show Family Feud.

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon

Cast your vote! (Moon edition)

This learning activity uses voting as a way to answer questions about the Moon.

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon

Close Encounters of the Tasty Kind

Let your senses guide you! Evaluate different foods to see if they would qualify to bring on a space mission.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada, Aurora College and the Saskatchewan Science Centre.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6); Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Code in the Stars

Students (10-15 years old) design a smart lunar robot to help the astronauts with their exploration of the moon. Submit these ideas to qualify for a 5-day residency for your classroom led by experts. The residency will focus on coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics and will be held in the Spring of 2023 virtually or in-person depending on location.

This activity is offered by Kids Code Jeunesse in collaboration with steamlabs and Western University thanks to the financial support of the CSA.

• Science and technology
• Coding
• Robotics
• AI and machine learning

Colouring sheets and other printable activities

Colouring sheets, paper models, stencils and other printable activities for all ages.

• Science and technology
• Astronomy
• Environment

Commander's Log: Recording Your Meals

Astronauts must make healthy eating choices aboard the International Space Station, so they track what they eat. Record your meals like an astronaut to discover your eating habits.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Creating Moon craters

Recreate the craters on the Moon by identifying and exploring their size, ejecta, and characteristics. Investigate how these craters are formed by a meteorite that impacts the Moon based on mass, velocity, angle and height.

• Science and technology
• Environment

Deep-Space Diplomacy

There are many sides to deep-space exploration. Time to investigate and debate!

• Teamwork and communication

Digital games and activities

Games, e-book, quizzes, digital cutout and puzzle, podcasts, playlists for all ages.

• Science and technology
• Geography
• Natural science
• Environment
• Geology
• Weather

Dragons' Den

You have a great idea that could improve space exploration. Pitch your invention to a panel of experts and convince them to invest in you.

This activity was reviewed by the Saskatchewan Science Centre.

• Teamwork and communication

Draw your own comic strip about the history of the Moon

This activity will help you learn more about the Moon's formation and evolution by drawing a comic strip that illustrates parts of its history.

• Moon
• Art
• History
• Solar system
• Geology

Engineering an end effector

Design a multipurpose end effector for Canadarm3's large arm to support a variety of tasks on Gateway.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Exploring Earth

Discover this interactive activity that uses photos taken by CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques from space, photos taken by Dr. Roberta Bondar and images from Earth observation satellites.

• Science and technology
• Geography
• Natural science
• Environment
• Geology
• Weather

False Alarm

An alarm is sounding on the International Space Station. Luckily, it's a false alarm, but your crew must work to shut it off. It is a physically and mentally demanding task!

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

First Steps: Training for Space

Try this test of physical fitness based on the one used during Canada's 2017 Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. You will need balance, strength and endurance to complete this activity.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

From Gateway to HALO

Using Design Principles, create a scaled version of Gateway including the HALO module capable of hosting two astronauts.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Good night HALO!

Design a multi-functioning sleeping compartment for astronauts on the HALO.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Healthy Meals in Microgravity

Have you every wondered what types of food are on the International Space Station? Plan a healthy meal for an astronaut using the Canada's Food Guide.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Hovercraft Launch

Construct your own hovercraft while learning about force and the principles of motion.

• Science and technology
• Engineering

How Old Are You on Mars?

Try this introductory coding activity – no previous experience required! All you need is a web browser to determine how old you are on another planet.

• Science and technology
• Coding

Interplanetary Farming

Growing crops can be a challenge, especially in space. Learn what types of food would best suit farming on the International Space Station, the Moon, and Mars.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health
• Agriculture
• Natural science

Invent a water recovery system for a lunar space station

With your team, develop a water recovery system for the upcoming Gateway. You will need to think of the materials to use to build a system to recycle, reuse or filter water as efficiently as possible.

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Environment

ISS Ingredients: Reading Food Labels

Daily values, percentages, nutrition – it's all a part of being a healthy astronaut! Learn how to read food labels and make informed choices as a junior astronaut – and in your daily life too!

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Journey to the Surface of the Earth

Returning to gravity after a long-duration space mission is physically demanding. You and your crew will perform this fitness test to simulate an astronaut's arrival back on Earth.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Keeping Food Safe on Earth and in Space

Learn how to keep food safe during production, processing, distribution and preparation – and why this is important in space too!

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6, 9); Science (secondary cycle 1 QC); Health (grade 9).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Launch Your First Homemade Rocket

This activity will demonstrate how a rocket is propelled upwards. Lift-off!

• Science and technology

Learning about the Moon

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the Moon? This activity lets you learn more about the Moon using the free WorldWide Telescope. You can see the Moon up close and better understand how it moves through space. You can also learn about lunar phases and even watch eclipses from different angles.

• Science and technology
• Moon
• Computer science

Living Space

Investigate your living space and learn how environmental monitoring can help improve physical and mental health on Earth and in space.

This activity was developed by our collaborators at Let's Talk Science.

• Science and technology
• Coding
• Health

Lunar Rescue

One of your crewmembers needs help on the lunar surface. Work together to rescue your crew and return them to safety.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Lunar Resupply Mission

Build a lunar lander to send supplies to the Moon. Design, budget, build, and test your lander to safely deliver a payload to the Moon.

This activity was developed in collaboration with Brilliant Labs.

• Science and technology
• Engineering

Lunar Rover Research Challenge

This competition-based national project challenges students to design a lunar rover research mission, which will be judged by a panel of experts. Winning teams will have the opportunity to control a Canadensys rover prototype in a simulated mission. The competition will run in fall 2022, spring 2023, and fall 2023.

This activity is offered by Let's Talk Science in collaboration with Canadensys Aerospace and Avalon Space thanks to the financial support of the CSA.

• Science and technology
• Engineering
• Robotics
• Coding
• Teamwork and communications

Make a HALO component

Activity to design and build a component for astronauts.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Make a pollinator

Create a pollination system that could help astronauts grow nutritious food in space.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Make Your Own Awesome Asteroid

Use sand, clay, and rocks to make your own one-of-a-kind asteroid!

• Science and technology
• Art

Make your own gooey space slime

Slime helps to see a science reaction in action – and to have fun with the kids!

• Science and technology

Making a hand actuator

Build an actuator that could help a robotic hand move.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Mars Base: Now Accepting Applications

Interview for a job at the new Mars base. Prove your position is critical to help out and make a difference on the red planet.

• Teamwork and communication

Master Chef: Mars

Create a snack for a mission to Mars. Learn the requirements for food sent on long-duration missions and considerations such as texture, weight, and, of course, taste!

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grade 6); Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Measure the effect of gravity on your height

Did you know we get shorter by the end of the day? This is because of gravity and impacts us everyday and we do not even realize it! Discover the impacts of gravity on your height by this simple measuring activity.

• Science and technology

Mission on the Moon

This accessible learning experience provides inquiry-based coding of a K8 robot and robotics activities to develop future-ready learners.

This activity is offered by Laurier University's Faculty of Education in collaboration with InkSmith thanks to the financial support of the CSA.

• Science and technology
• Engineering
• Robotics
• Coding
• Teamwork and communications

Mission: Astronaut

A digital game in which you can complete missions and minigames on astronaut training, living and working in space, the Moon, the Webb Telescope, health and nutrition and much more!

• Science and technology
• Astronomy
• Health and nutrition
• Moon

Moons in the Solar System card game

This activity will allow you to learn about the moons in the solar system through a printable educational card game.

• Science and technology
• Moon

Move like the Earth and the Moon

With your friends, create a model of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun in motion to see how they move in space.

• Science and technology
• Art
• Teamwork and communication
• Solar system
• Moon

Moving and working in space

Astronauts require a tether as a safety measure to keep anchored while they complete manual tasks during spacewalks. Test your skills while working as an astronaut!

• Teamwork and communication
• Science and technology

Multi-functionality in space

Using cardboard and other repurposed materials, design and build a multi-function habitat in space capable of housing two astronauts.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

My Canadarm3

Design your own Canadarm3 and explore how your own arm moves.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

My Canadarm3's end effector

Build an arm with an end effector with multiple joints that can grasp an object.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

My Moon

This "search and find" activity will help you discover interesting areas on the surface of the Moon, learn about the phases of the Moon, and find out more about the Apollo missions.

• Science and technology
• Solar system
• Moon
• Geography

My moving Canadarm3

Design a moving Canadarm3 with three parts and two degrees of freedom (and learn what degrees of freedom are!)

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Night at the Space Museum

You are the head of a museum in outer space. What is your exhibit about? What objects do you have on display? Learn about space heritage objects while creating your very own exhibit.

• Teamwork and communication

O Canada! Food on the International Space Station

Learn about popular foods from all over Canada. Choose a specific dish to send to the International Space Station.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Geography (grade 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Operation: Negotiation

International collaboration on space projects is essential. As a delegate from a fictional country, you will negotiate with other representatives to fund missions that meet your priorities.

• Teamwork and communication

Patch Maker, Patch Maker, Make Me a Patch

Every Canadian Space Agency astronaut has an individual and crew mission patch. In this activity you will create an individual patch, and collaborate with a group to create a patch that represents your collective interests and values.

• Teamwork and communication
• Art

Piloting Practice

Help your team members successfully navigate through a series of instructions to pilot your spacecraft to the correct destination.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Pollinating pulleys

Create a system for Gateway that uses at least a simple pulley mechanism to pollinate plants in space.

• Engineering
• Design
• Science and technology
• Moon

Reach for the top

This learning activity about the Moon is played in two or more teams. The first person to give the correct answer to questions about the Moon wins a point for their team.

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon

Return and Reconditioning

Once an astronaut returns from space, their job is not done! Astronauts must undergo reconditioning for at least three weeks. Track your exercise, sleep and screen time, and see where you can improve.

This activity was reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Say hello to HALO

Using an engineering design process as well as cardboard, recycled plastic, and other repurposed materials, imagine and build your version of Gateway's HALO habitat.

• Engineering and design
• Science and technology
• Art
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon

Searching for Life Beyond Earth

The truth is out there! Formulate a hypothesis about life on other planets. Learn more about the scientific method and its uses.

• Science and technology

See why astronauts are taller in space

Discover why astronauts are taller in space.

• Science and technology

Soaring in Space with Canada's Food Guide

Use the Canada's Food Guide to plan a meal for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and learn about healthy eating on Earth.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6); Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Space Brain Hack

Open-ended questions about key space exploration theme for youth to imagine solutions and innovations for the future. This annual challenge runs from October to February with a new theme every year.

• Science and technology

Space gardener: comparing plant root growth

Demonstrate how the nutrient density of soil changes the size and shape of plant roots.

• Environment
• Natural science
• Agriculture

Space Jam! An Astronaut Lunch

Time to eat like an astronaut! Create a meal from food items commonly used on the International Space Station.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada, Aurora College and the Big Little Science Centre.

Curriculum alignment: Health (grades 6, 8).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Space Repairs (Even Astronauts Have Chores!)

The treadmill on the International Space Station is broken! Your crew must work together to fix this critical piece of equipment.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Space STEM Activities for Lunar Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

These hands-on learning experiences educate youth on the use of AI-enabled robotics such as machine learning, career options in AI, and the development of robotic arm missions.

This activity is offered by Western Space in collaboration with Western Engineering, Mission Control Space Services Inc., Ingenium, steamlabs and Exploring by the Seat of your Pants thanks to the financial support of the CSA.

• Science and technology
• Engineering
• Robotics
• AI and machine learning

Survivor: Moon

Do you know what it takes to survive on the Moon? In this activity you will prioritize items your crew needs to return safely to your lunar base.

• Teamwork and communication

Take Me Home, Martian Roads

Work together to collect samples on Mars. Use creative thinking, problem solving and communication to achieve your goal.

• Teamwork and communication

The Moon in questions

Competitive learning game in which each team attempts to answer questions about the Moon and other moons in the solar system.

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon

These Boots are Made for Spacewalking

This activity can be done in two different ways – on land or in a pool. Learn how astronauts must perform complex mental and physical tasks when they execute a spacewalk.

This activity was developed in collaboration with the Personnel Support Programs of the Canadian Forces Welfare Morale Services and reviewed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Throw your own asteroids to see how craters are formed!

Build mini-asteroids and see how impact craters are formed on the Earth's surface!

• Science and technology
• Environment
• Art

Tomatosphere™

Investigate the effects of outer space on seed germination with your class. Tomatosphere™ is a hands-on program that builds scientific inquiry and experimentation skills.

This activity is coordinated by our collaborators at Let's Talk Science.

• Science and technology
• Agriculture
• Natural science
• Environment

Trading Spaces: Living and Eating Off Earth

An introductory lesson to life on the International Space Station. Learn how daily life changes when astronauts live and work in microgravity.

This activity was reviewed by Health Canada and Aurora College.

Curriculum alignment: Science (grades 6, 9); Science (elementary cycle 3 QC).

• Fitness and nutrition
• Health

Under (Air) pressure: Bernoulli's Principle

Discover the force that makes planes fly and learn about the scientific method.

This activity was developed by our collaborators at Cosmodôme.

• Science and technology

Who will reach the top?

Educational quiz game about the Moon inspired by the popular game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

• Science and technology
• Teamwork and communication
• Moon