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Living and Working in Space: Habitat |
Habitats!
The first of two web seminars on the topic of Living
and Working in Space: Habitat was held on Thursday, May 10, 2007, from 6:30 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. The presenters were Sheri Klug,
Director of the Mars Education Program at Arizona State University and
Don Boonstra, Coordinator of the Student Observation Network at NASA’s Goddard
Space Flight Center. In this seminar the presenters talked about ecosystems, habitats,
Mars and Mars exploration, and teaching about living and working in space in the
classroom.
Thirty-nine (39) participants were present at the live Web Seminar in addition to
the presenter and the NSTA staff. Participating educators represented the states
of Alaska, Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan,
Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
and Texas.
NASA is working to design a research habitat that will allow six researchers to
live on the Moon or Mars for an extended period of time. While in this habitat,
researchers must be able to maintain physical health and a good quality of life.
When at Mars, humans must consider several differences between the red planet and
Earth. Mars has 3/8 the gravity of Earth. Its seasons are twice as long, the atmosphere
is mostly carbon dioxide, and radiation reaches the surface of the planet. Mars
is a cold planet and liquid water is non-existent. All participants received a copy
of NSTA's SciGuide titled Solar System, grades 5-8.
Here are some comments provided by the participants at the end of the Web Seminar:
- "I enjoyed the activity about what would be needed in the different ecosystems and can use a similar activity with my earth science students.”
- “Problem solving strategies are integrated into my curriculum. Life support systems and solar system studies are a part of the middle school science program.”
- “I currently teach units on space and ecosystems. I'm very excited to connect them using the information I have learned during this seminar.”
- “I really enjoyed this seminar. It is very applicable to me because I work at a hands-on space center which has just added a new space expansion.”
Thanks to the participants and the presenters for the learning opportunity, the interactions, and a job well done!
Websites
For more information contact webseminars@nsta.org
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