If you’re looking to elevate your bedtime story routine, the Global Space Education Foundation has introduced a remarkable initiative: Story Time in Space. This innovative program features astronauts reading beloved children’s books while floating in the unique environment of space, and these captivating videos are then shared with children back on Earth.
The program was conceived by a former education director at Space Center Houston, Lisa Green, and astronaut Tom Willard, who was the first to read a story in space during the last mission of the space shuttle Endeavor. Their goal was to foster a love of reading among children while promoting STEM education. The idea of having astronauts read science-themed children’s literature in a zero-gravity environment was born.
Since its inception, Story Time in Space has taken place aboard the International Space Station as it orbits Earth at an astounding speed of 17,500 miles per hour. It’s safe to say that this may be a bit more engaging than your kids listening to you read The Little Engine That Could for the umpteenth time.
“What better role models to inspire children in science and reading?” Green shared with the press. “Not only are they watching and listening to these stories, but they’re also getting a glimpse of life aboard the International Space Station.”
In addition to making reading an extraordinary experience, Story Time in Space emphasizes diversity. The selection of books caters to various reading levels (all designed to be read in 15 minutes or less) and encompasses a wide range of STEM topics, including physics, engineering, and biology. The program features a diverse group of astronauts, allowing children to see individuals who look like them achieving greatness in the field of science. For example, Japanese astronaut Kenji Tanaka recently read Max Goes to the International Space Station in Japanese for this summer’s program.
The Story Time from Space initiative is also expanding its offerings. The team is working on introducing a series of nine simple science experiments that were conducted from the space station, focusing on concepts such as energy transfer and surface tension. Furthermore, new books are on the horizon, including A Moon of My Own by Jennifer Rustgi, The Rhino Who Swallowed A Storm by LeVar Burton and Susan Schaefer Bernardo, and Moustronaut by Astronaut Mark Kelly.
In the meantime, Earthbound families can enjoy the existing collection, featuring titles like Max Goes to Mars by Jeffrey Bennett, as read by astronaut Mike Collins. Let’s just hope these incredible videos don’t overshadow the charm of regular storytime with mom, who likely doesn’t have a space background.
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In summary, Story Time in Space is an innovative way to engage children in reading while promoting STEM education. With diverse astronauts and a range of exciting books, this initiative is sure to inspire the next generation of explorers.