Do your kids dream about being an astronaut? Take some time to get creative and learn at the same time with this easy Space Shuttle Papercraft!
Space Shuttle Papercraft
Being so close to NASA and the Space Center, my kids are always talking about space. They love learning about astronauts, different planets, stars, space shuttles, and more!
When they fell in love with the Toilet Paper Roll Rocket Craft, I knew they would love this Space Shuttle Papercraft too! Build your own space fleet with these crafts, and don’t forget to make your own Papercraft Rocket too!
Supplies
- Construction paper
- Popsicle stick
- Craft glue
- Pencil
- Scissors
Printable Template
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How to Make a Space Shuttle Papercraft
- Select different colored construction papers for the small parts of the space shuttle. For this tutorial, I used a dark red, a dark blue, a dark and light gray, orange, and yellow. Grab a white or cream colored sheet of construction paper or cardstock paper for the base cutouts (the bullet-like pattern and the wing pattern).
- Trace the patterns on the selected papers using pencil. Once you’ve traced everything, use scissors to cut each piece out.
- Grab your glue and attach the top, middle and bottom cutouts on the bullet-like pattern. These would be the dark red pieces. Next, attach the 2 thin L shapes cutouts (dark blue) on the outer side of the wings of the shuttle base. Start piecing together the flames by gluing the smaller yellow piece in the middle of the big orange flame cutouts.
- Attach the window (light gray half circle cutout) between the top two parts of the bullet-like base pattern. Glue the flame patterns slightly behind the engine nozzle cutouts (dark gray).
- Attach the engine nozzles on the bottom side of the bullet-like base pattern.
- Now, attach the bullet-like base pattern along the middle of the wing base.
- Use a black gel pen to trace grids on the bullet-like front part. Once you’ve added those details, then attach the Space Shuttle Papercraft on a popsicle stick to complete the craft.
Tips and Tricks
- Allow your kids to get creative with the colors they choose. Make it YOUnique!
- Or, look up pictures of space shuttles and try to match your favorite space shuttle as close as possible. This is a great time to learn the history of your favorite space shuttle! Take some time to learn a couple of facts about these awesome vehicles!
More Space Shuttle Papercraft Ideas
Build this adorable Astronaut Papercraft Puppet to add to the imaginative fun! Encouraging your kids to use their imagination is so beneficial to them now and in the long run.
To put on a puppet show, get an adorable puppet theater. Your kids could even make tickets that you can “buy” to attend their show. You know they would love that!
If you live close to Kennedy Space Center, plan a trip to go see rockets and space shuttles up close and personal! My kids love it when we go visit! They especially love the indoor play center and all of the interactive exhibits the Space Center provides.
If your kids are like mine and think the toilet paper crafts are super silly and fun, be sure to check out my other toilet paper crafts!
Space Shuttle Papercraft
Materials
- Construction paper
- Popsicle stick
- Craft glue
- Pencil
- Scissors
Instructions
Select different colored construction papers for the small parts of the space shuttle. For this tutorial, I used a dark red, a dark blue, a dark and light gray, orange, and yellow. Grab a white or cream colored sheet of construction paper or cardstock paper for the base cutouts (the bullet-like pattern and the wing pattern).
Trace the patterns on the selected papers using a pencil. Once you’ve traced everything, use scissors to cut each piece out.
Grab your glue and attach the top, middle and bottom cutouts on the bullet-like pattern. These would be the dark red pieces. Next, attach the 2 thin L shapes cutouts (dark blue) on the outer side of the wings of the shuttle base. Start piecing together the flames by gluing the smaller yellow piece in the middle of the big orange flame cutouts.
Attach the window (light gray half circle cutout) between the top two parts of the bullet-like base pattern. Glue the flame patterns slightly behind the engine nozzle cutouts (dark gray).
Attach the engine nozzles on the bottom side of the bullet-like base pattern.
Now, attach the bullet-like base pattern along the middle of the wing base.
Use a black gel pen to trace grids on the bullet-like front part. Once you’ve added those details, then attach the Space Shuttle Papercraft on a popsicle stick to complete the craft.
How Do I Print A PDF?
You’ll need a program that supports PDFs. Adobe Acrobat is a great option. Open the program, click file, then print. Select your printer and the number of copies you want to print. Be sure you click double-sided if you want it to print on both sides.
Can I Resell These?
You may not resell any printable or template that you find on our website or receive in your email. You may use them for class parties, at church, at home, or in the classroom. You may get these printed at an office supply store or copy center at your own expense.
I could see this being a great activity when students are learning about NASA