Make your own astronaut observation box to learn what it’s like to observe items up close, yet, at a distance. Since objects in space may be harmful to humans or become damaged if touched, astronauts cannot always touch items directly. Instead, they sometimes use a special observation box to help
them learn more about an object while protecting themselves. Let’s make our own astronaut observation box and learn what it must be like!
Items Needed:
A cardboard box Duct tape
Two pairs of rubber gloves Scissors Plastic wrap
A magnifying glass (if you have one) Rocks
A notepad and pen An adult for supervision
1
Cut off the lid of the box and duct tape the inside bottom portion of the box (you can duct tape the entire inside of the box if you have enough tape).
2
Cut two holes on either side of the box. The holes need to be large enough that you can easily fit your hand through them.
3
Next, put the gloves on your hands and slide your hands into the holes. Using an adult to help, duct tape the opening of the gloves to the outside of the box so the finger part of the glove is inside the box.
4
Fill the box with a notepad, pen, magnifying glass, rocks, and any other objects you think you might find in space (dirt, sand, or anything else you might want to observe).
5
Take the plastic wrap and cover the top of the box. You may need to use two strips depending on the size of the box.
6
Enjoy your new astronaut observation box! Put your hands into the gloves and take notes on the items you have in your box. Write down how they look, feel and anything else you observe.