Living In Space
Smithsonian Little Explorer Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
What's it like to live in space? How long can you stay in space? Discover how astronauts eat, sleep, work and even exercise in a weightless world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live in space? How would your daily routine change?
If you could take one item from your room to space, what would it be and why?
How do astronauts eat, sleep, and exercise in space? What challenges might they face?
Why is teamwork important for astronauts living in space?
What new games or activities do you think you could invent if you lived in space?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own space habitat, discussing how everyday tasks might be different in zero gravity.
Share your thoughts about space exploration and ask your child what they find most exciting or scary about living in space.
Compare astronauts' routines in space to your child’s daily routine on Earth, highlighting similarities and differences.
Discuss the importance of teamwork in space missions and ask your child about times when they had to work as a team.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book demonstrates how astronauts must work together to successfully live and work in space.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through the depiction of astronauts exploring space, the book highlights the value of curiosity and continuous learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek out new knowledge in their everyday life, fostering a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The story showcases astronauts facing and solving various challenges encountered in space.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the skills of critical thinking and solving problems creatively, which can be used in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Living in Space describes how astronauts adapt to a different environment, using unique tools and technologies.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether at school, home, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book touches on how resources are limited in space, teaching the value of conservation.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of responsibility towards using resources wisely and promotes sustainable habits in daily life.