The Little Spacecraft That Could
What’s inside...
Follow the journey of the New Horizons spacecraft as it travels 3.7 billion miles over nearly 10 years to explore new parts of our solar system. With a team of 2500 people supporting its mission, New Horizons gathers crucial data, photographs, and observes celestial bodies like Pluto and Arrokoth. Readers will learn interesting facts and the science behind this groundbreaking mission, accompanied by sidebars and a glossary.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the spacecraft's journey make you feel?
What do you think the spacecraft learned about itself throughout its adventure?
If you were going to space, what would you take with you and why?
What qualities did the spacecraft show that helped it succeed?
What would you have done differently if you were the spacecraft?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the spacecraft felt during challenging moments.
Foster imagination by discussing what it might be like to travel through space. Ask your child to describe their own imaginary space journey.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and problem-solving by discussing the spacecraft's challenges and triumphs.
Relate the spacecraft's learning experiences to your child's personal experiences, discussing times they have overcome obstacles or learned something new.
Encourage your child to draw or write a short story about their own version of a space adventure inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book depicts the spacecraft's journey against numerous challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance through its narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their efforts in school projects or learning new skills, despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The story encourages exploration and the quest for knowledge, as the little spacecraft seeks to learn more about space.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and seek answers about their own world and beyond, fostering a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The spacecraft interacts with various elements and characters to achieve its goals, showcasing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to group activities and learn the importance of collaborating with others to reach a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout its journey, the spacecraft encounters problems that it needs to solve creatively.
Real-World Application: This can help children approach their own obstacles in more inventive ways, using critical thinking both in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The spacecraft faces setbacks but does not give up, teaching resilience when faced with adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to bounce back from their own setbacks, whether small daily challenges or bigger difficulties, and continue striving forward.