NAME: ___________________________________ DATE: ________________

HISTORY OF HUMANS IN SPACE Pre-Conference Activity Grades 3-6

John H. Glenn, an Ohio native, was the first American to orbit the Earth. On February 20, 1962, he completed a successful three-orbit mission in a little less than 5 hours.

On October 29, 1998, John Glenn realized his dream of traveling into space again. On that day he began a journey that marked another record in space history--he became the oldest person ever to go to space. During the nine-day journey, the 77-year-old Glenn traveled nearly four million miles aboard
the space shuttle Discovery. His journey allowed NASA to gather valuable data on space flight and the human aging process.

For information on other Ohio astronauts, access: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/Other_Groups/PAO/html/ohioast.htm

Have you ever thought about becoming an astronaut? If you were planning a journey into space aboard a small spacecraft like the Mercury-Atlas 6 "Friendship 7" or a larger spacecraft like the Discovery space shuttle, what would you take with you?

In making your decisions, there are several factors you should keep in mind. Your living "space" would have to be adjusted because of:

1. Limited storage space
2. No refrigeration
3. A limit to the total weight allowed
4. Microgravity

Can you think of other special factors you should keep in mind?

For additional information on space food, living and working in space, and being suited for space walking,
access: http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/index.html or http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/By_Type_Guides

1. What would you need to take with you in order to stay alive for one week in space?

    

    

    

    

2. What would you want to take with you for relaxation and entertainment?

B. When your teacher tells you to, choose a partner and compare your responses.

C. When your teacher tells you to, form a group with another pair of students. Write a final answer to each of the questions.

1. What would you need to take with you in order to stay alive for one week in space?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What would you want to take with you for relaxation and entertainment?

D. Have one member of your team prepare to give a team response, including an explanation of your choices.