Beyond Ms. Werner's assignments, the following are possible additional topics of study for students.
- Mimicking Microgravity Conditions in a Classroom on Earth
Objects in a free fall state are said to be weightless and provide an interesting study on microgravity conditions. In order to achieve this state in the classroom, refer to this resource from NASA. This is an amazing resource for teachers and other educators with instructions on creating a microgravity 'drop tower' and other experiments and fun games for students!
2.2 Second Drop Tower:
In addition, experiments can be sent to professional drop tower facilities provided by NASA’s Glenn Research Center. The NASA Glenn 2.2 Second Drop Tower is one of two drop towers located at the NASA site in Brook Park, Ohio.
- At Home in Space: How astronauts adapt to life on the ISS
This article provides a look into how crew members live together and create a shared culture. Specifically, it explores how Space provides a unique environment that brings different cultures through technical knowledge and team collaboration.
- "Space archaeology" : ISS Archaeology
ISS Archeology is a project aimed to understand the “microsociety” aboard the International Space Station given the multigendered, multiethnic, multinational, and multilingual nature of the crew. Marking off one-meter areas of the ISS (Placed in leisure locations such as the galley table, workstation, and EXPRESS racks) to document with daily photos to study how spaces are used, this project utilizes databases of all objects sent to the ISS to create a 4D digital model of a space lab, tracking patterns of movement of astronauts and objects over time. Navigate to their site to learn more.
- Living and Working in Space: Click here to learn more about the daily exercise regimen of astronauts.
- Physical Activity in Space: This resource has more on the importance of physical activity in orbit
Protecting muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health: Bones and muscles don’t have to support the weight of astronauts’ bodies in microgravity. In order to avoid bone and muscle deterioration from prolonged periods of time in zero-g, astronauts must exercise while in orbit. In addition, without proper exercise, the cardiovascular system may weaken as the heart doesn’t have to work as hard as it does on Earth to counteract gravity when pumping blood around the body and up to the head.
Effects of weightlessness on the human body: Despite rigorous exercise regimes, astronauts lose an average of 1% of their bone density per month in space (equivalent to what an average elderly person on Earth would lose per year). However, astronauts’ bone density gradually returns to normal after returning to Earth.
ARED: Advanced Resistive Exercise Device - Robert Thirsk, (Credits: CSA, NASA)
TVIS: Treadmill - Robert Thirsk, (Credits: CSA, NASA)
- Exercises students can do
Astronaut Training: Exercise Challenge - Various activities and connections to physical fitness in space. (Credit: Chabot Space and Science Center)
Crew Strength Training - Bodyweight exercises and connections to bone density and muscle fitness in space. (Credit: ESA), age range: developed for up to 14 yrs
Train Like an Astronaut: Adapted Physical Activity Strategies - Offers seated variations and activities at different levels. (Credit: ESA), age range: developed for up to 14 yrs
Building an Astronaut "Core" - Lesson plan for core exercises and connections to physical health in space. (Credit: ESA), age range: developed for up to 14 yrs
For additional exercises and lesson plans, explore ESA's Mission X - Train Like an Astronaut site (Grade levels: 3-7). In addition, NASA offers this website: Train Like an Astronaut (Grade levels: 5-8, 9-12) with more exercise plans.
Below are some additional free online resources for students to explore!
| Games/Site |
Description |
Suggested Grades |
| Play | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids |
Fun games with clear educational connections. Includes online games as well as project ideas for the classroom or at home. |
K-5 |
| Space Games | PBS KIDS |
Colorful games with beloved characters perfect to get kids excited and asking more questions about space. |
K-5 |
| ESA - Space for Kids - Games |
Engaging and fast-paced games suitable for many ages. Also offers various language options. |
K-6+ |
| Space Learning Games • ABCya! |
Games centered around other planets and asteroids suitable to get kids curious about space. |
K-6+ |
| SCIGames |
Puzzles and brain-teaser style games suitable for older kids as well. |
3+ |
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