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Educator'S Resource Guide: Presented by
Educator'S Resource Guide: Presented by
RESOURCE GUIDE
Presented By
In Cooperation With
IMAX®
A Unique Field Trip and Learning Experience!
Quest Airlock
Has two sections: the Equipment Lock,
a suit-up room and the Crew Lock,
an air regulation chamber for astronauts
to reach the correct pressure for
space walks.
Tower of Power
Large and small solar panels on the ISS
turn sunlight into electricity to energize
equipment and science experiments.
During mission STS-104, the shuttle delivered and installed the Quest Airlock module
to the International Space Station. Mission Specialists Mike Gernhardt (center)
and James Reilly (right) performed spacewalks to install hydrogen and oxygen tanks
and attach power cables to fully activate the Airlock.
The International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is the greatest collaborative
project ever undertaken. The orbiting outpost is under construction by
16 nations. Piece by piece – like a giant jigsaw puzzle – segments of the
ISS attach to each other. The result is a cozy home-away-from-home
for space travelers.The largest structure ever built in Earth orbit, when
completed the ISS will have a wingspan of 356 feet /109 meters, and
a length of 290 feet/88 meters. Giant solar arrays churn out enough
energy to power about 50 average North American homes. That
electrical energy is distributed to run six state-of-the-art laboratories
when the ISS is fully operational. The ISS whisks above the Earth at
220 miles/354 km in altitude, and at 17,500 mph/28,160 km/h. As a
technological star slipping across the backdrop of space, the ISS is the
product of more than 100,000 hard working people around the planet.
The activities in this guide are appropriate or adaptable for grades 3 through 9. The subject areas are listed
below, followed by the section numbers of the related activities. It is suggested that all students experiencing
the IMAX SPACE STATION film participate in the activities in sections 2 and 4.
TECHNOLOGY: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11,12
Section 6 – Power to the People on the ISS: Energy from Solar Arrays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 12 – Exploring Careers in Space: Why do These People Love Their Jobs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Resources Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 1
IMAX: THE ULTIMATE FIELD TRIP
IMAX ® theatres offer a unique and economical field trip experience for students and teachers. Utilizing
the largest film frame in motion picture history to project breath-taking, crystal-clear images on screens
up to eight stories high and by using advanced multispeaker sound, IMAX creates a memorable cinematic
experience that makes learning fun. With SPACE STATION, IMAX continues it’s commitment to provide
students with a meaningful, exciting and innovative learning experience.
2
IMAX 3D
Theatres equipped with IMAX 3D projectors will show SPACE STATION in 3D. Based on human vision, 3D technology
mimics the way we see the real world. When you look at an object, each of your eyes sees a slightly different view of
that object. Through a process known as stereopsis, the brain “fuses” the views into one three-dimensional image.
IMAX Cameras
Left Eye Versatile, flexible and reliable, the IMAX camera is an integral part
of the IMAX system. IMAX cameras have been to outer space,
explored the ocean floor, climbed Mt. Everest and traveled around
the globe. An IMAX camera can weigh as little as 37 lbs/17 kg
or as much as 100 lbs/45 kg. The IMAX 3D camera weighs
240 lbs/110 kg and the two lenses of the IMAX 3D camera
Brain fuses the image are precisely spaced to match the distance between our eyes.
This allows each lens to “see” a left- and right-eye view.
The images register onto two separate rolls of film that
run simultaneously through the camera.
3
SECTION 2
EXPLORING THE
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
The following activity is especially important as it provides a way for the educator
to understand students’ current knowledge – as well as misconceptions – about
the International Space Station (ISS) and space-related science and technology.
ACTIVITY 1
Students’ Questions about the ISS
Goal: To assess students’ current knowledge and misconceptions about the ISS.
Key Concepts: Activities on the ISS include science experiments, observing Earth from space, astronomy and the
development of space products. There are many interesting and rewarding Space Station-related careers.
Procedure: This activity can be kept very simple and take just a few minutes by doing only #1 and having students
turn in questions to the educator, or it can be expanded to include some or all of the following:
1) Students each list on paper at least five questions 4) Using the Resources Section at the end of this
they have about the ISS, or what it would be guide, students work together to make a list
like to live in an Earth-orbiting facility with under each question of websites, books or
microgravity. They submit these questions, other resources that they think might provide
along with others generated later, to the the answers.
educator at the end of the activity.
5) Each student team divides up their list of questions
If time allows, students could also do the following: and searches for the answers (on the Internet,
if possible) using the resources listed under each
2) Students form teams of three or four and
question. They write a brief answer for each
create a new list eliminating any duplication of
question that includes the sources they used.
questions and improving the quality and detail
of the questions. 6) There may be a few questions for which students
have difficulty finding the answers. These
3) Students look over the questions and share any
questions can be used in the next activity.
answers they know with their team.
4
ACTIVITY 2
Making a Video on Space or Creating an Internet Website on a Space Topic
Goal: To plan, design and produce (if equipment is available) a video or website on one of the science,
technology or engineering topics listed under “Procedure”.
Key Concepts: Understanding some aspects of the science, technology and/or engineering involved in the construction
of the ISS and the science research that is conducted on the ISS; learning about ISS-related space careers;
and video or website planning, design and production.
Grade Level: All levels – can be adapted for any grade level.
Subjects: Biology, chemistry, physics, Earth sciences, astronomy, technology, engineering, computer skills, careers,
language arts (writing script for video or text for website).
Materials: Students can do this activity on paper, but it is more effective if they have use of a video camera and
editing equipment, or a computer for the website design.
Procedure: Planning a video or designing a website on an ISS-related topic requires students to become more deeply
involved in understanding an aspect of the Space Station. Students work in teams of three or four to
plan a video project or design a website on one of the space-related topics below. Links to websites
with images, drawings and resources are provided in the Resources Section, and at the Space Station
Gallery website at: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station.
BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS : Designing a Science Experiment ENGINEERING : Building a Home in Space
For science students, science experiments similar to those After experiencing SPACE STATION, students can make
being conducted on the ISS can be videotaped. (For more models of the ISS, videotape their assembly and explain
information about the ISS science experiments, see Section 8) the activities planned for each of the modules. (For more
information, see Section 3)
EARTH SCIENCES : Modeling Earth from Space
For Earth science students, after studying images taken TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION : Designing a Space Product
of Earth from the ISS, the space shuttle, the high-resolution For students studying technology, a space spin-off product
IKONOS satellite, or other satellites, various geological developed as a result of space research, could be designed
features can be modeled in miniature for videotaping from and explained on video. Students could also choose several
above. (For more information, see Section 10) spin-off products to video or describe on paper or for
a presentation. For current or past issues of the NASA
ASTRONOMY : Exploring the Solar System
spin-off publication either online as a PDF file or to send
Where should we go beyond the ISS? After choosing and
for the printed edition, go to:
researching a solar system exploration mission that could
http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/spinoff.html
use the assistance of the ISS, students explain their mission
on video, using visual aids such as models and drawings. CAREERS IN SPACE
(For more information, see Section 12, Stellar Activity) If available locally, students can interview space scientists,
engineers or others in the ISS or space-related careers
on video or audio about their work. A good resource
website is: http://quest/nasa.gov.
5
STELLAR ACTIVITIES
Enter your Video in the NASA Student Involvement Program Competition
Choosing one of the topics on the
previous page, students can enter
NASA’s AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
JOURNALISM competition by creating
a five-minute video in one of the
following formats: newscast, investigative
or special report, or documentary.
News articles can also be submitted.
For more information, visit this website:
http://www.nsip.net.
Ask an Astronaut
They can submit their questions to the “Ask an Astronaut”
website at http://www.ari.net/nss/askastro, or search
through more than 250 archived questions about space,
answered by those who have been there. The site also has
photos, sounds and movies from each astronaut’s missions.
These files are free to use in students’ projects.
The Space Day website has many resources and interesting ideas for exploring space and
astronomy at: http://www.spaceday.com. You can also visit the Lockheed Martin website
for information on Space Day at: www.lockheedmartin.com.
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SECTION 3
DESIGNING A SPACE STATION
Decades later, designers of the ISS decided that using Having a laboratory in microgravity, rather than one-third
modules and coping with microgravity – instead of creating gravity, meant that the extra hours of astronaut and
artificial gravity – were the best design for our times. The cosmonaut time would be spent exercising. By “working
module segments and other sections of the ISS could easily out” within the ISS, crews protect their hearts and prevent
be hauled into orbit within a space shuttle’s cargo bay and bone loss. In the past, a cosmonaut aboard the Mir space
atop Russian rockets. (For a definition of microgravity – see page 16) complex spent more than a year in Earth orbit. He
provided medical data showing that humans can cope
with some 12 months of exposure to microgravity.
ACTIVITY
Designing a Space Station
Goal: Understand what systems and supplies are necessary for humans to survive in space,
as well as on Earth.
Key Concepts: Although the systems and supplies necessary for human survival in space are similar to those
on Earth, many factors – microgravity, heat when in the sunlight and cold when in the shade,
living in a confined space, as well as the weight and cost of putting hardware into orbit –
are important when designing systems for a space station. The space environment has unique
factors that must be considered for survival. (Much radiation, for example, is shielded from
us on Earth by the atmosphere.) Adequate protection is required. The interior of the ISS
must be designed for ease of crew use in microgravity.
Grade Level: All levels can be adapted for any grade level.
Materials: Paper and pen for each team’s list and illustrations (if requested by educator).
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Procedure: Before learning details about the specific systems used on the ISS, students work in teams
of three or four to generate a list of critical equipment and supplies needed for humans
to live comfortably in space.
Considering what systems and supplies are needed in their own homes, they first generate
a list similar to the one below:
Power Waste management
Temperature control Crew showers
Water supply Sleeping quarters
Food preparation Communications
Students discuss how they would provide these necessities, writing a brief description after
each topic. They will need to keep in mind the following factors:
– microgravity
– heat when their space station is in the sunlight and in the shade.
– living in a confined space.
– keeping the weight of the system as light as possible.
– keeping the cost as reasonable as possible.
They can also create illustrations of how their systems would work. Older students can
choose one of the topics and develop a more detailed description of their system.
Students will learn more about how the ISS systems provide these needs in SPACE STATION
and in the next section.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their team’s list, with descriptions and how they handle
the listed factors (and illustrations, if requested by educator).
STELLAR WEBSITE
Exploring Space History and Future Space Exploration
through Space Art
Students can explore the visions of the past and see
into the future through the eyes of space artists
by visiting The Gallery at the International
Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA)
website at: http://www.iaaa.org.
8
SECTION 4
THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION:
WHAT IS IT?
ACTIVITY
Touring the ISS via the Internet
Goal: To provide a virtual tour of the ISS so students can better understand the Space Station either before
or after experiencing the IMAX SPACE STATION film.
Key Concepts: The International Space Station is an amazing engineering feat. In addition to attending to the daily
housekeeping chores of living in microgravity, astronauts and cosmonauts will conduct research in
the following areas: life sciences, human support technology, Earth and space sciences, engineering
technology, materials science, fundamental and fluid physics, combustion science, biotechnology
and space product development.
Grade Level: All levels – see appropriate level for each tour listed below.
9
Procedure: Students take one of the exciting tours of the ISS at the following websites either as a class
or individually. Students then engage in a class discussion about living and working on the ISS.
As a class or in small groups, students discuss what daily life will be like for ISS astronauts
and cosmonauts, and what kinds of science research they will be conducting.
NASA’s VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ISS (for older students) LIVE ESCORTED VIRTUAL TOURS OF THE ISS from NASA Johnson
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/vtour Space Center (JSC) are offered several times a year. A tour
guide walks students through the JSC mockup and training
MEET ME AT THE SPACE STATION (for younger elementary
facility. Questions can be asked of the tour guide via the
school students) MC, an internet robot, leads a tour
Internet during the tour. For the next event, visit this website:
of the ISS at:
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/ltc/sto/tours.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/station/
mmats/index.html. THE SPACE STATION GALLERY
Check out the ISS photo gallery at:
ISS – THE VRML TOUR
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station.
If your computer has a browser with a Virtual Reality Markup
Language (VRML) plug-in, you will be able to explore the THE ISS: A HOME IN MICROGRAVITY
Virtual Reality-based models at this website: This great NASA website keeps you posted on the
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/vrml/station. latest ISS news, plus webcasts, forums and chats with
the ISS scientists and engineers. Check out:
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/projects/space/iss2001/index.html.
Evaluation: Students are evaluated on their participation in class discussion after taking a virtual tour of the ISS.
STELLAR ACTIVITY
See the Space Station as it Passes Over your City
Most students can catch a view of the ISS when it passes over their home or
school. The space shuttle can also be spotted when it is on a mission – either
on its own as it flies to the ISS, or after a mission is complete, when the shuttle
heads for home. A great way to see the ISS is when the shuttle is docked to it.
When coupled, the shuttle and station become a larger and brighter
“star” crossing the heavens.
Dates and times for cities all over the world are available
on the Internet under “Sighting Opportunities” at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings.
10
SECTION 5
THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
MATH TRAIL
ACTIVITY
Mapping Out the ISS Math Trail
Goal: Students will be able to create mathematics problems and solutions related to the ISS.
Key Concepts: The use and importance of mathematics is everywhere, not only in our daily lives, but also in the daily
lives of astronauts and cosmonauts on the Space Station.
Grade Level: 3 to 9.
Materials: Photos and/or videos of the modules and systems of the ISS. The ISS Gallery provides photos at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station.
Other visuals are listed in the Resources Section. The SPACE STATION poster can also be used, if available.
11
Procedure: Since we have not been able to arrange flights for students to the ISS as yet, the ISS Math Trail uses
photographs and illustrations of the Station. A good resource for general use by students is the Station
section of http://spacelink.nasa.gov. From the website listed below, provide students with photo images
of the Station. Some of the better photos can be printed to use. The ISS websites, listed in the activity in
Section 4, are also a great resource. One of the best websites for photos is The Space Station Gallery at:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station.
Another great educator resource of printed materials, photos and graphics, as well as videos, is the
NASA Regional Educator Resource Centers at http://spacelink.nasa.gov/ercn. Ask students to think
of mathematics problems related to what they see:
– the launch pad at NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Space Shuttle.
– Russia’s Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site and their Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.
– the ISS modules and other parts, like the robotic arm, solar panels, truss structures, etc.
– inside the various modules of the ISS.
– looking at the Earth from the ISS.
Younger students might come up with problems involving measurement and finding geometric shapes.
With a little research, older students could create and solve problems related to:
– the motion of the ISS around the Earth.
– the technology used to create an environment that will support life outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
– the properties of the geometric shapes they see. (Example: How would you determine the approximate
volume of the space shuttle?)
– ratios. (Example: How could you find the height of the structure without measuring it directly?)
Students should visit the National Math Trail website and select the “How-to” section. Take a hike on one of the many
math trails created by students to discover ideas for the kinds of mathematics problems that could be adapted to the ISS.
Be sure to submit your students’ ISS math trails to the Math Trail site. Students should check back often to see the ISS
math trails that other students have submitted.
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SECTION 6
POWER TO THE PEOPLE ON THE ISS:
ENERGY FROM SOLAR ARRAYS
ACTIVITY
Building a Better Battery
Goal: To understand how batteries function and to creatively think about how they might be improved.
Key Concepts: There are a number of breakthrough technologies needed in the near future to further space
exploration and to improve life on Earth. One of these breakthroughs will need to be more efficient
batteries that store energy for longer periods of time.
Grade Level: 5 to 9.
13
Procedure: Students research the technology of various types of batteries in books and on the Internet (if possible),
then try to come up with new ideas for designing a battery that is more efficient. Hold a class
discussion, if time permits.
To learn more about power and batteries on the ISS, read the article at this SCIENCE @NASA website:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast13nov_1.htm.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their comments in class discussion and by demonstrating an understanding
of how batteries function, and on any new ideas they might have for improving this technology.
STELLAR ACTIVITIES
Making a Solar Panel
Students could ask a solar cell supply company for contributions, or purchase supplies from
Edmund Scientific (see “Science Stores” at the end of the Resources Section) or another
science supply store, and build a small solar panel that could provide at least some of the
power for their classroom.
14
SECTION 7
LIVING AND WORKING ON THE
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
ACTIVITY
What Chemicals and Contaminants are in your Water?
Goal: To learn what chemical elements (besides hydrogen and oxygen) are present in tap water at their school
or home, and to determine its quality.
Key Concepts: Water contains many other elements besides hydrogen and oxygen. Water quality is important not only
on Earth, but also on the ISS.
Grade Level: 5 to 9.
Materials: Sterile container for water sample, address of laboratory for water analysis.
Procedure: Students can obtain an analysis of the water at their school or home. Water samples can be sent to
a local laboratory, for a small cost, that will return a detailed analysis of chemicals and contaminants
in the sample. Students identify each of the chemical elements and possible contaminants.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their ability to identify each of the chemicals and possibly contaminants
in the water sample.
15
STELLAR FACTS
The Language of the Space Station
NASA is famous for using acronyms to describe everything. When the ISS astronauts and
cosmonauts communicate with Mission Control, it can sound like they are speaking a
foreign language. As in any profession, acronyms are helpful in speeding up communications –
and in an emergency those seconds saved could be the difference between life and death.
Another aspect of language on the ISS is the names of the various international
modules, for example:
Zarya – the name of the control module means “sunrise” in Russian.
Zvezda – the name of the service module means “star” in Russian.
Kibo – the name of the Japanese Experiment Module means
“hope” in Japanese.
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SECTION 8
DESIGN AN ISS-RELATED SCIENCE
EXPERIMENT – AND ENTER A CONTEST
TO HAVE IT FLOWN IN SPACE!
Research on the ISS in science, engineering and technology involve the following
areas of study. Choose a topic for an experiment or research project, then enter
your experiment in one of the competitions that follow.
ACTIVITY
Enter a Contest to have your Experiment Flown in Space!
Goal: To design a space science experiment that meets the requirements of one of the contests listed
on the following page.
Key Concepts: Microgravity research in the scientific areas listed above that is (or will be) conducted on the ISS.
Grade Level: 5 to 9.
Subjects: Chemistry, biology, Earth sciences/geology, geography, physical science/physics, technology, engineering.
Procedure: NASA, aerospace companies, space organizations and universities are reaching out to students and offering
them the chance to become real scientists. Working in teams of three or more, students review the
requirements of the competitions listed on the following page. The list above provides some suggested
topics for experiments directly related to ISS research. They then design their own microgravity
experiment according to the guidelines of one of the competitions listed below. Each of the following
programs provides a wealth of resources on their website.
17
NASA’s Shuttle Small Payloads Project (SSPP) NASA Student Involvement Program (NSIP)
Managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center and its One of the six NSIP competitions is the Space Flight
Wallops Flight Facility, SSPP provides international K to 12 Opportunities Competition – for teams of two to four
and university students (as well as others) space for flying in grades 9 to 12. Although the ISS is not yet soliciting
their experiments in a number of carriers that ride in the student experiments, teams of students can design an
space shuttle’s cargo bay. They are called The Hitchhiker, experiment and enter it in a competition to be flown
Complex Autonomous Payload, Get Away Specials (GAS) on a sounding rocket or the space shuttle.
and Space Experiment Module (SEM).
Educators of younger students could make contact with
One of the Space Experiment Module experiments a high-school team to follow the development of their
flown recently teamed elementary school students experiment, and design a similar experiment. For details
with retirement community residents to examine and resources on this competition and the other five,
how microgravity affects the growth of soy seeds. for all grade levels, visit their website at:
For more information, check out their website at: http://www.nsip.net.
http://sspp.gsfc.nasa.gov/carrier.
STARSHINE – Student Tracked Atmospheric
S.T.A.R.S – An International Research Satellite for Heuristic
Student Space Experiment Program International Networking Experiment
The S.T.A.R.S Program – Space Technology And Research STARSHINE is an education program for students around
Students – has launched a number of student experiments the world who help construct a satellite and learn about
on the space shuttle, as well as to the ISS aboard a Russian satellite orbits and natural events that affect these orbits.
rocket. Students in grades 3 to 12 from schools around The satellites are covered by nearly 1000 small aluminum
the world have participated. S.T.A.R.S is sponsored by mirrors that are polished by tens of thousands of students
Space Media, Inc., a subsidiary of the aerospace company worldwide. Sunlight flashing from its mirrors is naked-eye
SPACEHAB. The S.T.A.R.S Academy website also has visible against a star background. STARSHINE is an SSPP
other programs and activities for grades 3 to 12. “Hitchhiker” payload aboard the space shuttle (see SSPP
http://www.starsprogram.com. above). For the details on participating, see their website
at: http://www.azinet.com/starshine.
Evaluation:
Students are evaluated as individuals and teams on
their ability to meet the requirements of the competition
they enter.
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SECTION 9
EXPLORING WITH OTHER STUDENTS
AROUND THE WORLD
Goal: To increase knowledge of the ISS modules, solar panels, robotic arm and other equipment, and
understand how they function; to communicate with students in other countries around the world.
Key Concepts: The ISS is a complex system containing modules and components that function to support human
life and microgravity research. Communication can be established with other students studying
the ISS around the world.
Grade Level: 3 to 9.
Materials: An illustration showing all the components of the ISS, which can be found at:
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/instructional.materials/nasa.education.products/
international.space.agency.assembly/index.html.
Procedure: 1) Student teams of two or three choose an ISS module, other components like Canada’s Mobile Space
Servicing System, or a scientific instrument contributed by their country or another ISS country.
2) They research details, then write a description and select illustrations from this guide or websites
listed in the Resources Section. Students could also create a web page or a poster on the project topic.
For example, students might choose one of the modules and would describe all equipment inside and
outside, and explain what tasks or experiments will be conducted there. For example, a favorite with
students is likely to be Canada’s dual-armed robot called the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator.
This amazing robot will work in conjunction with Canadarm2, the Space Station Remote Manipulator
System that Canada built, launched in 2001. Students describe their robot’s capabilities and list the tasks
that the arms are responsible for in constructing the ISS.
3) Your students can communicate and even work jointly on ISS projects with students across the country
and around the world. Students can email or send by mail their research, web page or poster to students
in another country and ask them by email or letter about the ISS projects they are working on.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated on their written descriptions of an ISS component and its functions.
19
SECTION 10
OBSERVING EARTH FROM SPACE
ACTIVITY
Geography from Space: Locating the Space Station International Partners
Goal: To demonstrate knowledge of geography in locating all the ISS partner countries; and to identify geological
features in images of Earth from space.
Key Concepts: Many countries are contributing to the development and success of the Space Station. The ISS has cameras
and sensors that are providing valuable information about Earth.
Grade Level: 3 to 9.
Materials: World map, Internet access. An excellent resource for image exploration is the Exploring Earth from Space
image set available at: http://spacelink.nasa.gov/instructionalmaterials/NASAeducationalproducts/
exploringearthfromspace/.index.html. The set includes instructional materials and 13 pictures of
Earth taken from aboard the Shuttle as part of the NASA EarthKAM program. This resource will enhance
studies of science, mathematics, technology and geography. An entire listing of image archives is available at:
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/instructionalmaterials/curriculumsupport/earthscience/earthimagesfromspace.
20
Procedure: 1) Using a world map as an aid, students identify where each of the nations participating in the ISS are located:
United States Russia Canada Japan
Belgium Denmark France Germany
Italy The Netherlands Norway Spain
Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Brazil
2) Either as a classroom activity, or students teaming with a partner using a computer, explore images taken
of Earth from the ISS and the Space Shuttle. As they study the images, students should try to identify at least
three geological features in each image. Many images that students were actually involved with acquiring
from the Space Shuttle are available on the NASA EarthKAM website at: http://earthkam.ucsd.edu
Evaluation: Students are evaluated on their ability to locate the 16 ISS partner countries and identify geological features
in Earth remote sensing images.
STELLAR ACTIVITIES
Geology and Meteorology from Space
Students pick an environmental condition to research using images taken from the
ISS or the Space Shuttle. Topics could include evidence of deforestation, global
warming, ozone depletion, water pollution/oil spills, or weather phenomena such
as hurricanes. Check the EarthKAM website at: http://earthkam.ucsd.edu.
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SECTION 11
WANTED: INNOVATIVE ROCKET SCIENTISTS
Key Concepts: Model rockets simulate many aspects of full-scale rocket design and provide a hands-on opportunity
for students to understand the dynamics of rocket flight.
Grade Level: 4 to 9.
Materials: The Rocket Guide is a good resource for educators and contains many activities for students. It is available at:
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/NASA.Educational.Products/Rockets.
Procedure: Students build model rockets and test different rocket designs for height and speed. This can be an after-
school or weekend activity sponsored by the local Young Astronauts Club, and/or involve a regional adult
large-scale model rocket club, or a nearby NASA Field Center model rocket. Two- and three-stage model
rockets are also available, as well as a rocket that carries a small camera. Students will also learn about
safety in launching model rockets.
Evaluation: Students are evaluated on their ability to follow directions in building a model rocket that is capable
of being launched.
STELLAR ACTIVITY
The Eggs Prize Contest
This popular contest is sponsored by The X-Prize Foundation. The Eggs Prize is one of their
educational projects and involves students in preparing a raw egg for a launch on a water
rocket that will return to Earth without breaking the egg. Visit their website for details and
to learn how the X-Prize is trying to help bring you closer to a rocket ride into orbit.
http://www.xprize.org
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SECTION 12
EXPLORING CAREERS IN SPACE: WHY DO
THESE PEOPLE LOVE THEIR JOBS?
It has taken more than 100,000 people, working over many years at almost every
job imaginable, to place the ISS in orbit. Learn why these people love their work.
ACTIVITY
Interviewing a Space Scientist, Engineer or Artist
Goal: To understand how many different kinds of professions have been involved in creating the ISS and to learn
about the many choices available in space exploration-related careers.
Key Concepts: Biographies, journals and interviews show what daily life is like in various space-related careers and convey
the scientist’s or engineer’s perspective and attitude about their work.
Grade Level: 5 to 9.
Procedure: 1) Students choose an ISS or space-related career that interests them, and then locate and read related
biographies and journals at the Men and Women of NASA website at: http://questdb.arc.nasa.gov/
bio_search.htm or, for space artists, at the International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA)
website at: http://www.iaaa.org.
2) Students generate four or five questions related to the career of the person they have read about and,
if possible, send them their questions. Alternatively, a speaker in an ISS or space-related field could be invited
to the school to speak about their career, and students could formulate questions in advance.
Evaluation: Students are evaluated on their ability to generate four or five good questions related to the journal
or biography that they are most interested in.
STELLAR ACTIVITY
Envisioning the Future: Where do we go from Here?
How will the ISS help in the exploration of the Moon, Mars and other planets, comets and asteroids? What is
the next big step – could you and your friends become space tourists of the future?
Team members choose whether the mission will be robotic or human, where they would land or orbit, and
what science and exploration they would want to do there. Students could also design a space hotel for
Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars or an asteroid. Student teams create a large poster or mural that illustrates their
mission or enterprise.
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RESOURCES SECTION
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NASA SPACELINK NASA CORE (CENTRAL OPERATION
The general NASA website for most of NASA’s resources. OF RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS)
http://spacelink.nasa.gov NASA’s audiovisual/video distribution center for
a nominal charge.
NASA EXPLORES http://core.nasa.gov
Lesson plans and resources on space topics.
http://www.nasaexplores.com REGIONAL EDUCATOR RESOURCE CENTERS
Find the NASA resource center for educators nearest
MEN AND WOMEN OF NASA you – with videos, slides, printed resources and more.
Learn about space careers directly from the people http://spacelink.nasa.gov/ercn
working at NASA.
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/team/index.html NASA SPINOFF PUBLICATION
Articles on products that have successfully commercialized
NASA CONNECT NASA technology. Publication is available in print and online.
Award-winning NASA TV series on a variety of space http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/spinoff.html
topics including the ISS. One of their programs is entitled
“Functions and Statistics: International Space Station: THE ISS GENERAL INFORMATION
Up to Us” and an educator’s guide is also available. NASA’s VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ISS
http://connect.larc.nasa.gov (for older students)
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/vtour
THE “WHY?” FILES
A NASA TV series covering many space topics MEET ME AT THE SPACE STATION
including the ISS. (for younger elementary school students) MC, the robot,
http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov leads a tour of the ISS.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/video/station/
WATCH THE SPACE STATION BEING BUILT – LIVE! mmats/index.html
From cameras in the “clean room” at NASA Kennedy
Space Center. ISS – THE VRML TOUR
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video If your computer has a browser with a Virtual Reality
Markup Language (VRML) plug-in, you will be able to
NASA EARTHKAM explore the Virtual Reality-based models at this website.
A project in which students on the ground take images http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/vrml/station
by commanding a camera on board the Space Shuttle.
Check their website for information on how to get involved. LIVE ESCORTED VIRTUAL TOURS OF THE ISS
http://earthkam.ucsd.edu Tours from NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) are offered
several times a year. A tour guide walks students through
HAM RADIOS AND ISS the JSC mockup and training facility. Questions can be
Talk to the astronauts on HAM radio. Check the website asked of the tour guide via the Internet during the tour.
for information. For the next event, visit the website.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/reference/ http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/ltc/sto/tours
radio/index.html
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THE SPACE STATION GALLERY “CITY IN SPACE” – CNN.COM
Check out the ISS photo gallery. Features a 360-degree tour of the ISS.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/space/station
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NASDA (JAPAN) YOUNG ASTRONAUT COUNCIL
http://www.nasda.go.jp/index_e.html Information on starting a Young Astronauts Club.
http://www.yac.org
NASDA EDUCATION
http://spaceboy.nasda.go.jp/index_e.html FUTURE ASTRONAUTS OF AMERICA
Activities for students and adults.
ROSAVIAKOSMOS (RUSSIA) http://www.faahomepage.org/main.html
http://www.rosaviakosmos.ru/english/eindex.htm
SPACE CAMP
INPE (BRAZIL) Space Camps are located at the U.S. Space & Rocket
http://www.inpe.br/programas/iss/ingles/default.htm Center in Alabama, and near Kennedy Space Center in
Florida, and at NASA Ames Research Center in California.
SPACE ORGANIZATIONS http://www.spacecamp.com
INVOLVED IN SPACE EDUCATION
CHALLENGER CENTER EXPLORING SPACE HISTORY AND FUTURE SPACE
FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION EXPLORATION THROUGH SPACE ART
Challenger Centers across North America provide Students can explore the visions of the past and see into
simulated space missions. Students role play officials in the future through the eyes of space artists by visiting
the Mission Control room. They communicate with other The Gallery at the International Astronomical Artists
students who are working on a simulated space station. Association’s (IAAA) website.
The Challenger Center also provides related curricula http://www.iaaa.org
and educator workshops. Check their website for the
Challenger Center nearest you. ESTES MODEL ROCKETS
http://www.challenger.org Online or printed catalog of model rocket kits.
http://www.estesrockets.com
NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETY
Publishes AD ASTRA magazine and hosts an annual space THE EGGS PRIZE CONTEST
conference. The organization has many members from the AND THE X-PRIZE FOUNDATION
education community. The popular Eggs Prize Contest is sponsored by
http://www.nss.org The X-Prize Foundation and involves students in
preparing a raw egg for launch on a water rocket
SPACE FOUNDATION that will return it to Earth without breaking.
Provides excellent educator workshops and in-services plus http://www.xprize.org
space education resources and an annual conference.
http://www.spacefoundation.org SPACE-RELATED COMPETITIONS
THE NASA STUDENT INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS Students can enter NASA’s AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
AND ASTRONAUTICS JOURNALISM competition by creating a five-minute video
Space professionals organization that also provides space in one of the following formats: newscast, investigative or
education programs. special report, or documentary. News articles can also
http://www.aiaa.org be submitted. WATCHING EARTH CHANGE is another
competition related to Earth sciences. For more
information, visit the website.
http://www.nsip.net
27
NASA’s SHUTTLE SMALL PAYLOADS PROJECT (SSPP) NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITORS CENTER
SSPP designs, develops, tests, integrates and flies a group of Official visitor center for NASA Kennedy Space Center.
small payload carrier systems for the Space Shuttle. These Also provides information on upcoming Space Shuttle and
carriers – the Hitchhiker, Get Away Specials (GAS), and rocket launches and how to visit a launch.
Space Experiment Module (SEM) – support payloads http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
supplied by high schools, universities, foreign governments
and others. NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
http://sspp.gsfc.nasa.gov/carrier AND U.S. SPACE & ROCKET CENTER
http://www.spacecamp.com/museum
S.T.A.R.S – AN INTERNATIONAL Education site.
STUDENT SPACE EXPERIMENT PROGRAM http://education.msfc.nasa.gov
The S.T.A.R.S Program – Space Technology And Research
Students – has launched a number of student experiments NEWS ABOUT THE ISS AND SPACE
on the space shuttle, as well as to the ISS aboard a Russian NASA TV
rocket. Students in grades 3 through 12 from schools Available through satellite television, on some cable TV
around the world have participated. S.T.A.R.S is sponsored providers, and on the Internet.
by Space Media, Inc., a subsidiary of the aerospace company http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
SPACEHAB. The S.T.A.R.S Academy website also has other
programs and activities for grades 3 to 12. SPACE.COM
http://www.starsprogram.com Breaking news, features and resources on space
and astronomy.
STARSHINE – STUDENT TRACKED ATMOSPHERIC http://space.com
RESEARCH SATELLITE FOR HEURISTIC
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING EXPERIMENT SPACE NEWS
STARSHINE is an SSPP “Hitchhiker” payload aboard http://spacenews.com
the space shuttle. For the details on participating,
see their website. SCIENCE@NASA
http://www.azinet.com/starshine http://science.msfc.nasa.gov
NASA FIELD CENTERS MOST INVOLVED WITH THE ISS FLORIDA TODAY – SPACE
For a complete list of NASA Field Centers and for the http://www.flatoday.com/news/space/
NASA Regional Educator Resource Center nearest you,
visit their website. CNN.COM – SPACE
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/ercn http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/
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SPACE WEBSITES FOR KIDS A FEW ISS-RELATED BOOKS
Also see the ISS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS list for SPACE STATION SCIENCE: LIFE IN FREE FALL
their education websites. By Marianne J. Dyson
New York: Scholastic Inc., 1999
NASA KIDS Great resource on the ISS for older elementary and
http://kids.msfc.nasa.gov/ middle-school students.
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ISS-RELATED EDUCATION CONFERENCES SCIENCE STORES
AND EVENTS EDMUND SCIENTIFIC STORE
THE ISS EDUCATORS CONFERENCE A great source of all science education supplies including
An annual ISS conference devoted to educators solar cells for the Power to the People of the ISS: Energy
usually held in February at Space Center Houston. from Solar Arrays activity. Call (800) 728-6999 or shop
http://www.spacecenter.org/iss.html online. http://www.scientificsonline.com
30
IMAX CORPORATIONDIRECTORANDOF PHOTOGRAPHY
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION PRESENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION “SPACE STATION”
TOM CRUISE AND ASTRONAUT TRAINING JAMES NEIHOUSE BY MICKY ERBE AND MARIBETH SOLOMON PRODUCER
NARRATED
BY
MUSIC ASSOCIATE
JUDY CARROLL CONSULTING
PRODUCER GRAEME FERGUSON DIRECTED BY TONI MYERS
PRODUCED AND
© 2001 IMAX CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. IMAX® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION.
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