Janet's Planet: From Launch to Landing - Kids Activities for July 16-20, 2019

The summer of 2019 marks an important moment in human space exploration: Fifty years ago, on July 20th, 2019, humans set foot on the Moon. It was the first time humans had ever walked on another celestial object!

On July 16th, 1969, Apollo 11—which included Command Module Pilot Mike Collins, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, and Commander Neil Armstrong—blasted off the Earth from Kennedy Space Center and began to make their way to the Moon. As the lunar module neared the landing site, Neil noticed that the onboard computer was steering them dangerously close to a crater. With only 30 seconds of fuel left, Neil put the craft in manual mode, seized control, and with just 20 seconds of fuel left, the craft touched safely down.

"Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed."

Hours later Neil would emerge from the hatch, climb down the ladder of the lunar module and say these very famous words

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Four hundred thousand men and women...engineers, scientists, mathematicians, propulsion experts, and computer technicians, helped to make that mission happen. As we celebrate and remember the past, how will you be part of the future of human space exploration? It has been 50 years since humans have visited the Moon; in fact, twelve men have walked on the Moon, but no women as of yet. NASA just announced bold plans to have humans back on the Moon by 2024, and this time the footprints on the Moon will also include those of a woman.

Now consider this: If you could blast off to another object in our solar system today, where would you go? What would you do? What would your mission be? What amazing science might you discover? Here are day-by-day activity ideas to inspire kids and families to make the most of this summer's 50th anniversary celebration! Celebrate and remember Apollo 11 from launch to splashdown, all the while keeping your eyes on the future...when you just might make the first bold steps on MARS! 

July 16. 2019: EAT LIKE AN ASTRONAUT

July 17, 2019: ATTEND A STAR PARTY

July 18, 2019: READ A BOOK ABOUT BEING AN ASTRONAUT

July 19, 2019: BUILD YOUR OWN LUNAR LANDER

July 20, 2019: DRESS UP AS YOUR FAVORITE ASTRONAUT AND MAKE YOUR FIRST BOLD STEP