Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe

Unit 8: Beyond Earth

WebQuest Projects 1

A Message from the International Space Station

Introduction

Right now, a “city in space” orbits high above Earth. It is populated by people from a variety of cultures and nationalities. Yet, like people in cities all over the world, these residents work, prepare and enjoy meals, read books, and dream. They speak different languages, come from different backgrounds, and have diverse scientific and personal interests. Yet, in what some have called a great “human experiment”, they have enthusiastically agreed to be separated from their families for months at a time to live, work, and play in this unique world. This unusual “city” is the International Space Station, and it has orbited Earth at a distance of 250 miles since 2000. A model of collaboration on a global scale, sixteen nations play an active role in the construction, maintenance, and vision of this unique endeavor.

The International Space Station is designed to give engineers and scientists the ability to perform complex experiments on an unprecedented time scale and unique platform – the zero gravity environment of space. Experimentation in zero gravity, also called microgravity, can reveal processes that are obscured when they take place on Earth. Visionaries also see the potential of the Space Station as a launch pad for future, further space exploration. Crew members, who commit to three to seven-month stays aboard the station, are busy professionals with jobs to do. What kind of research do they conduct? How do they focus on work, while also fulfilling personal needs like exercise, nutrition, and recreation? This WebQuest will help you explore these questions and others to learn about life aboard the International Space Station.


Task

In this WebQuest, you will assume the role of an astronaut living and working on the International Space Station. Your first task is to become familiar with the types of activities that take place in an average day aboard the station. In addition to examining some of the research projects underway, you will learn how astronauts deal with the unique challenges posed by living in a confined, microgravity environment. Answering a series of questions will help you understand what life is like within this unique setting. Based on your research, your second task is to create a multimedia “letter” to send to your family on Earth. The purpose of this message is to show your family what a typical day is like on the International Space Station.



Resources

The Web sites given here will help you answer questions about the International Space Station. The information you gather will help you create a multimedia presentation showing daily activities aboard the station.

http://www.pbs.org/spacestation
Visit this site to learn what daily life is like on the International Space Station, including what crew members wear and eat, how they rest and exercise, and how they keep themselves and the facility clean. This site describes the purpose and components of the station. You can also take a virtual tour of the Space Station from this site.

http://www.science.howstuffworks.com/space-station2.htm
This site describes important factors taken into account when designing the International Space Station, gives descriptions of how various parts of the station function, and details what it is like to sleep, bathe, eat, exercise, and work aboard the station.

http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/ISS_OVR/
This site outlines the history of the International Space Station, and the role other countries are playing in its development. Learn about the types of research underway or planned, and see how the station’s unique vantage point offers opportunities to study Earth processes in new ways.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/home/index.html
NASA offers this site to share the latest information about the International Space Station, the space shuttle program, and other space news.

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/index.html
Visit this site to learn how astronauts prepare for space travel. The site also investigates how crew members live, work, and travel in space.

http://www.discovery.com/stories/science/iss/iss.html
Step inside the Space Station for a virtual tour. This site offers 360-degree view pictures that help you take a look around four of the stations sections, or modules.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/multimedia/vrml/iss/
This interactive site lets you manipulate the Space Station, learn about the individual components that make it up, and take a virtual “spacewalk” to get a human perspective on the station.

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/iss/index.html
This site offers current news related to events on the International Space Station.

http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/mixfleet.htm
Visit this site for information and links about all upcoming space launches.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/highlights/index.html
This site offers amazing photographs from NASA’s space explorations.


Time

1-2 weeks to answer the set of questions and develop the multimedia presentation

Process

Read the following series of questions before beginning your research. As you explore each Web site, look for answers to the questions.

Questions about the International Space Station

  1. Designing a structure which is not connected to Earth and its natural processes requires engineers to consider an array of factors. For example, the Space Station environment must support life and protect from hazards, and it must have the capability to communicate with Earth. Describe some factors engineers considered when designing the International Space Station.
  2. The International Space Station provides a unique vantage point for continual study of the Earth. What Earth events and processes do astronauts investigate from space?
  3. Living in a microgravity environment stresses the human body. A variety of research projects attempt to quantify the effects of living under these conditions for extended periods. Describe specific research projects being conducted by astronauts which address the effect of various Space Station conditions on human body function.
  4. Why are efficient sanitation methods crucial on the International Space Station? Describe some measures taken by crew members to keep the facility clean.
  5. Daily activities like bathing, sleeping, and exercising are conducted differently under zero-gravity conditions. Describe how astronauts go about these routine, but necessary, affairs.
  6. What do crew members aboard the International Space Station do in their leisure time?
  7. Astronauts on the Space Station choose and prepare their own meals. What might a crew member eat during a typical lunch or dinner? Note any interesting differences between preparing or eating food on the station versus preparing or eating food on Earth.

Next, visit the Web sites listed. Use the information from your research to record
answers to the questions. As you study the sites, look for ideas you can use to create a
multimedia presentation describing daily life aboard the Space Station.

Finally, create a “letter” to send to your family back on Earth which describes your life as a crew member of the International Space Station. Your “message” will take
the form of a multimedia presentation. Platforms may include PowerPoint, a slide show,
or some other medium approved by your teacher. As you think about the information your message will include, remember that your family will be interested in issues like the following:

  • What does the interior of the Space Station look like? Where do you eat, sleep, work, and exercise?
  • What kinds of research projects are you conducting?
  • What is the food like on the Space Station? Is there anything unusual about the way you have to prepare, eat, or clean up your meals?
  • How do you keep yourself clean on a daily basis? Is there anything special about the clothes you have to wear while working inside or outside of the station?
  • Is it possible to get any exercise in such a confined area? If so, what kind of physical activities do you do?
  • How do you occupy your leisure time?

Include diagrams, photographs, and interesting information in your presentation. Use a friendly, informal writing style. Remember, this is a letter to your family, and they are interested in learning how you spend a typical day.


Conclusion

While completing this WebQuest, you have learned about the purpose and characteristics of the International Space Station. You have gathered information to answer questions about research projects taking place, the effects microgravity have on the human body, and what daily life is like aboard the station. You have analyzed information about how crew members function in this environment, and used creativity and writing skills to create a presentation demonstrating how astronauts spend a typical day in space. Your research will help others understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in this unique setting.

Glencoe Online Learning CenterScience HomeProduct InfoSite MapContact Us

The McGraw-Hill CompaniesGlencoe