| Program Description | Speeding along at 17,500 miles an hour in the vacuum of space is risky business. So, what is so special about the space suits astronauts wear? How do they protect the astronauts from the dangers of space? Students will explore Pascal’s Law with a series of vacuum chamber experiments and learn why pressurized space suits are so important. Students will then put their engineering skills to the test as they construct their own space suit to protect their balloon astronaut from the impact of micrometeorites. | |
| Program Format | 1. This program begins on the lunar landscape by two Apollo space suits. 2. We will discuss air pressure and a vacuum environment 3. We will watch a quick video about space suits 4. Following the video, we will do a series of vacuum experiments. 5. Students will test their space suit designs. 6. Discuss the results of the space suit tests. 7. Time is allowed for questions. | |
| Objectives | 1. Engage in a discussion of air pressure and Pascal's Law. 2. Explore the role of pressurized space suits. 3. Develop a space suit to protect a balloon astronaut form a micrometeorite impact. | |
| National Standards to which this program aligns | NS.K-4.1 SCIENCE AS INQUIRY As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Understanding about scientific inquiry NS.K-4.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop Abilities of technological design Understanding about science and technology Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans NS.K-4.7 HISTORY OF NATURE AND SCIENCE: As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of Science as a human endeavor NS.5-8.1 SCIENCE AS INQUIRY As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop-- Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Understandings about scientific inquiry NS.5-8.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop-- Abilities of technological design Understandings about science and technology NS.5-8.6 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding Personal health Populations, resources, and environments Natural hazards Risks and benefits Science and technology in society NS.5-8.7 HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop understanding of Science as a human endeavor Nature of science History of science | |
| Program Length | 50 minutes | |
| By Request | This program is available by request/on demand ONLY | |
| Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees | Interactive Cost: $145.00 Patricia Moore distancelearning@spacecenter.org 1601 NASA Parkway Houston, TX 77058 United States Phone: (281) 244-2149 Fax: (281) 283-7724 |