S * P * A * C * E
A Integrated Junior Webquest in Science & Technology for Gr. 6

WHAT IS LIVING IN SPACE REALLY LIKE?

by Barbara Rogelstad, CIC Specialist
Last updated July 20, 2003


Introduction | Tasks | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

Information for Educators

 

Introduction
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
How many of us have been asked that question?
Have you ever said, "I want to be an astronaut!"
Have you ever thought about living in space?
Well here is your chance to see what it would be like to live as an astronaut in space.
Get ready to explore eating, working, exercising, and yes, even using the toilet in space. Get ready to travel !

 

Tasks

Students, you have 6 tasks (A, B, C, D, E, F) to complete in 6 work periods. If you need more time ask your teacher for an extension. Here are your tasks:
A) Read 5 questions below and think about all the possible answers.
B) Explore a space website to discover the actual or real answers.
C) Prepare a written report. Use the worksheet.
D) Construct a chart comparing life in space with life on earth.
E) Prepare a Space Station that will be ready for astronauts to live in.
F) Design a computer presentation about life in space.
 
 
Process
Do all 6 tasks (A, B, C, D, E, F).
 
Task A
Discuss the 5 questions below with a classmate or a group of students.
Do not research the answers just yet.
Do not write down your answers just yet.

#1

How would you turn a bolt in space if there is no gravity to hold you down?

#2

How heavy is a space suit?

 

#3

Why don't astronauts eat bread or crackers in space?

#4

How does a toilet work in space?

#5

Is a space station as big as one football field?

    

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Task B

Go to a computer and go to http://edspace.nasa.gov/home.html
Click on "Living in Space" in the left menu.
Explore this NASA Space website to find out the real answers.
 
Task C
Prepare a written report.
Print this worksheet to write down your answers.
 
 
Task D

After viewing http://edspace.nasa.gov/home.html and becoming acquainted with life in space, use this information to ---


Construct a chart comparing life in space with life on earth.
Print this chart to make point form notes on the comparisons.
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Task E
Prepare a Space Station!
This is a really fun activity!


Prepare a Space Station that will be ready for astronauts to live in.
Go to http://www.childrensmuseum.org/cosmicquest/spacestation/index2.html
Watch the liftoff and then .....
Click on "Let's find out." and follow the directions.

Level 1 - Preparing your space station for short stays.
Level 2 - Preparing your space station so that astronauts can work there.
Level 3 - Final challenge is to expand your space station so that astronauts can live there for a year or two. Designing a self-sufficient space habitat is very important for future exploration, since missions to Mars may take several years or more!
 
 
Task F
Computer Presentation

Design a computer presentation about life in space.
Use Microsoft Power Point or Corel Presentation to design a visual and print display about life in space.

Prepare 5 to 10 slides in a computer generated slide show presentation on "Living in Space". Include one or two interesting facts that you and/or you and your classmate found interesting about the living in space.
 
Congratulations!
You have completed all the tasks!
 
 
 

Resources
Below you will find other links to fabulous sites on living in space.
 
Glossary of Space Terms
Discovery School
http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/spacestation/
You can send (email) Discovery your answer to "What would be the best thing about living in space?"
Puzzlemaker
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/mazedthings/index.html
Go to Miscellaneous - Moon Landing. Print the maze and play!
Living
Eating
Working
Exercising
Sleeping
Living
Space Flight Questions and Answers
Stations
 
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Evaluation
Click here to examine and print out the Rubric for this Space Webquest.
 

 

Conlusion

Students, how was your exploration into "Living in Space"?
Did you learn about what it is like to eat, work, sleep, exercise,
work and use the toilet in space?
The NASA site is awesome!
Don't forget to check out the other Space sites under Resouces.
Try the puzzle, Moon Landing too.
Having read and viewed all this information and videos about Space
would you like to be an astronaut some day?
   
Thank you for choosing this webquest.

Webquest developed and maintained
by Barbara Rogelstad
email: rogieba@rogers.com
Last Revision: July 18, 2003

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