A Space Exploration Mission

Introduction

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7uknv0?start=0

Did you know?!

  • Space is silent.

  • A full NASA space suit costs $12,000,000.

  • Nobody knows how many stars are in space

In this webquest, you will be learning more neat facts and information about space, but our main investigations are about:

  • The planets and other components of our solar system, with an in-depth exploration of one planet
  • The tools used to explore and investigate space
  • How space affects the human body

 

Task

Your mission if you choose to accept...You and your team are planning a trip into space to see the different planets in our solar system, and to visit and explore one of them. You will need to document what you see on this planet, take some soil samples, and describe what life might be like to live on this planet. Make a list of some of the tools that you might use to help you explore space and this planet. Think about how space is different from earth. What are some of the ways that you and your team have had to adapt to survive and meet your basic needs(food, air, sleep, shower, defecate, etc) in while on your trip to space?

Process

Make a copy of this Google Slides presentation to fill in. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xqsG_GMlngVjGUAfBBYLTZ-cbNFhqPsbZYv1igvkdW4/edit?usp=sharing

Feel free to change the layout and images on the slides, but make sure to fill in all the content. Don't forget to use your own words!

Slide 2 - Our galaxy and solar system 

Watch this video and complete this slide - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASQkz4XaphU

Name our galaxy and the eight different planets in our solar system.  What else might you see while travelling on your trip?

Bonus - name the “ninth” dwarf planet. 

Slide 3 - Your Planet

Use this link to explore your planet further - https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/exploring-the-planets/online/solar-system/

List at least four physical characteristics about your planet here using full sentences. They should be about what it looks like, feels like, and what you might find on the surface… or below!

Bonus - add in a few interesting facts about your planet!

 

Slide 4 - What would life be like here?

Think about your daily life at home on Earth. What challenges might you run into living your daily activities either travelling to your planet or living on (i.e. air, food/eating, showering, managing bodily functions)? 

Explore these links to find out!

https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/bodyinspace 

https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stem-on-station/dayinthelife 

Write at least 6 full sentences about how life might be different while travelling through space and/or living on your planet.

Bonus - What does the International Space Station do that mimics life on Earth?

 

Slide 5 - What tools might you use to explore space?

Astronauts and space exploration experts use all kinds of tools from both Earth and in space. Check out these links to learn more about them.

https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/exploring-the-planets/online/tools/earth-based.cfm 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPggdqW3qqQ 

List at least five different tools that might help you explore space, both from home or in space. Explain how three of them would be used to make life easier or help discover new things in space.

Gallery Walk!

Finally, add your slides about your planet into our shared Google Slides - A Space Exploration Mission for the class to learn about all the other planets in our solar system

For more information, you can check out some other links below.

https://www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/5-8/index.html 

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/activities/teaching-content/solar-system-6-studyjams-interactive-science-activities/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPggdqW3qqQ 

Evaluation
Working on It  Criteria Got it!

 

                                                                  

 I can identify all components of the solar system, including planets, stars, natural satellites, etc                                                                   

 

 

 I can describe at least four of the physical characteristics of my chosen planet  

 

 

 I can explain how humans might conduct their daily activities of life while in space  

 

 

 I can investigate scientific and technological advancements that allow humans to adapt to life in space  

 

 

 I can identify five technological tools needed for space exploration, and explain how three are used  

 

 

 I can produce pieces of published work to meet expectations identified, using proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling.  
Conclusion

Success! You have made it home from your space exploration mission. Now it is time to share your learning about your planets with the rest of our space explorers! Make sure to fly by your peers planets to see the information they have to share.