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This fun STEM activity for early years and reception children gives provides lots of opportunities for communication and experiment as well as learning about the the surface of the moon and designing their own moon buggy.
You will need…
- KiD K’NeX Vehicles Kit
- A large floor space
- A ramp – this can be created using a piece of wood and some bricks or similar. (optional)
- Different coverings for ramp e.g. bubble wrap, egg boxes
To set up…
This YouTube clip of Apollo 16’s Lunar Roving Vehicle makes a great introduction to this activity giving children the chance to think about and discuss the challenges in creating vehicle to move around on the moon or a moon buggy. This is a good opportunity for them to practice using and thinking of descriptive words by answering the following:
1. What is it like to be on the moon?
2. How does it feel to move across the surface of the moon? why might it be difficult to move around on the moon?
3. What features of a moon buggy could make it easier for it to move about?
The K’NeX pieces can then be used by the children to create their moon buggies. Although the kit is suitable for 8 to 10 children, sharing it between 6 – 8 children will ensure that all of the children are given the opportunity to try out the different components included in the pack. The instructions included in the kit can also be used to give children ideas and guidance but they should use their imagination aswell.
The finished moon buggies can be tested out on a test track or using a ramp. Different surfaces such as bubble wrap, concrete, sand and grass can also be tested to try and assess which buggy would work best on the moon. A sand pit can also be used to try and recreate their own version of the surface of the moon.
This covers the following Early Learning Goals
ELG 03 Speaking: Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs.
ELG 04 Moving and Handling: Children show good control and coordination in large and small movements.
ELG 06 Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness: They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.
ELG 08 Making Relationships: Children play cooperatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity.
ELG 17 Being Imaginative: Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes.
Have you been doing any fun STEM activities with your EYFS children? For more fun activities visit our Science page or follow us on Pinterest.