Orbital Space Lab STEM Inquiry Unit
NASA needs your help to design a new science experiment in space! What do you want to learn about living in space?
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Teaching Duration: 2 days
NASA needs your help to design a new science experiment in space! What do you want to learn about living in space?
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Teaching Duration: 2 days
NASA needs your help to design a new science experiment in space! What do you want to learn about living in space?
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Teaching Duration: 2 days
Orbital Space Lab STEM Inquiry Unit
NASA needs your help to design a new science experiment in space! What do you want to learn about living in space?
Students will complete a hands-on mystery box exploration to experience the process of doing science. This experience will help students build a deeper understanding of what it means to think like a scientist through discussion, readings, and videos. Students will learn about the International Space Station, the Destiny Module, and science labs on the ISS. To synthesize, students will design their own experiment using knowledge learned about how scientists ask questions, while also relating it to the information they learned about science labs on the ISS. Students will be challenged to pitch their experiment to NASA through a presentation or video.
Key Learning Objectives:
Students can ask a testable question related to living in space
Students can design an experiment to address that question using experimental design
Real-world STEM Connection:
Mechanical Engineering
International Space Station
Science experiments in space
As with many STEM activities, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.
Included in this product:
Detailed teachers guide with links to resources
Editable teacher companion presentation slides
Photos of student examples
Editable printed student handouts
Videos to motivate and support learning
STEM Career Connections and real-world examples
Science handouts
Student recording sheet for each step of the process
Suggested Materials:
Closed box with a lid (ex: shoe box) filled with various items including but not limited to: Marble, wooden blocks, cotton ball and metal piece
Magnets
Whiteboard (optional)
Stethoscope (optional)
Team Challenge Materials
40 feet rope
(For attaching strings) Diving ring or dog food bowl
(ISS) Plastic bowl or dog food bowl
Drill - if using dog food bowl
Scissors
Lighter
Plastic ball: The larger and heavier the ball, the easier the task