Spaceships and Rockets



Last updated Monday, December 21, 2020

Author: DK
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1465445129
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2020

Synopsis: From rovers to shuttles and probes, Spaceships and Rockets covers everything there is to know about spacecraft. Spaceships and Rockets takes an up-close look at the history of rockets and space travel, and technology development for space travel planned for the future. Find out how a rocket blasts off, identify the different parts of a rocket, and see if you can afford a trip into space! Read about the probes floating in space and the rover on Mars as they work to gather information to send back to earth.

Note to readers:
•  There is a glossary of terms on page 45.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you know about spaceships and rockets?
•  Would you want to go on a spaceship or rocket? Where?
•  What do you thinks it's like traveling on a spaceship or rocket?

Vocabulary

•  booster rocket - a machine that helps to move a train
•  launch - to set forth, release
•  capsule - the area in a spacecraft that holds family and and instruments
•  space station - a large spacecraft in orbit for a long period, that also holds people
•  probe - and instrument or tool used to explore the shape or condition of something that cannot be seen directly

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Did anyone watch (or get to see) the SpaceEx spaceship launch in June?
•  What do you think it's like being on the moon?
•  How does someone become an astronaut? What education do you think the person needs?
•  Would you want to visit the International Space Station?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a spaceship
•  Make the moon out of a paper plate
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2020-the-wonders-of-science-and-technology/

Special activities:
•  Picture what life would be like as an astronaut - Discuss what life would be like
•  Talk about any movies the kids have watched about astronauts

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!