History of Humans in Space

 

Objectives:

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the problems to be overcome in order for humans to explore space.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for human space exploration.

Focus Question: How have humans explored space?

Length:

30-60 minutes

Grade Level:

4-12

NASA Mission:

Space Operations, Exploration Systems

National Science Standards:

Science As Inquiry
Understandings About Scientific Inquiry (K-12)
Life Science:
Organisms And Environments (K-4)
Structure And Function In Living Systems (5-8)
Regulation And Behavior (5-8)
Populations And Ecosystems (5-8)
Matter, Energy, And Organization In Living Systems (9-12)
Behavior Of Organisms (9-12)
Science In Personal And Social Perspectives:
Personal Health (K-12)
Types Of Resources (K-4)
Changes In Environments (K-4)
Populations, Resources, And Environments (5-8)
Natural Hazards (5-8)
Risks And Benefits (5-8)
Natural And Human-Induced Hazards (9-12)
Science And Technology In Local, National, And Global Challenges (9-12)
History And Nature Of Science:
Science As A Human Endeavor (K-12)
History Of Science (5-12)

NASA Presenter:

Bryan Palaszewski - bryan.palaszewski@grc.nasa.gov
Tom Benson - Thomas.J.Benson@nasa.gov

Advanced Preparation:

A pre-conference activity that was developed for use with students in grades 3-6 contains links to additional information on space food, living and working in space, and being suited for space walking. Teachers of grades 3-6 should have their students review this information, as well as the directions for completion of the activity, and prepare related questions for the speaker in advance. At the conclusion of the presentation, the teacher can then have the students complete the activity.

A pre-conference Web search that was developed for use with students in grades 7-12 contains questions about humans in space. Teachers should have their students answer several of the questions using the suggested links and prepare related questions for the speaker in advance.

Preview images from the PowerPoint presentation (download).
For additional research, visit
Bryan's Internet Resources for "Humans in Space," "Space Stations," and "Living in Space." and Internet Resources for Space Physiology Studies - Bed Rest"

The event includes interaction with NASA scientist Bryan Palaszewski or Tom Benson. It traces the human exploration of space beginning with the single orbit flight of Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Problems to be overcome during launch, orbit, space walking, rendezvous docking, and reentry are discussed. American's Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs are described, as well as the Russian Vostok, Voskhod, Soyuz, Salyut, and Mir programs. Current plans for the International Space Station are included. Video clips and scale models of the spacecraft and boosters are used in the presentation to provide a sense of scale.

The event can be geared to certain grade levels. 

Post-Conference Activities:
Grades 3-6: At the conclusion of the presentation, students should complete the activity begun before the event.

For additional research, visit Bryan's Internet Resources for "Humans in Space," "Space Stations," and "Living in Space" and Internet Resources for Space Physiology Studies - Bed Rest.

 

Advanced Notice Recommended:

4 weeks

Frequency of Presentation:

Once a week

Availability of Presenter: 

Varies


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