Unit 8
SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER
SPACE:THE FINAL FRONTIER
"Life, for ever dying to be born afresh, for ever young and eager, will presently stand upon this
earth as upon a footstool, and stretch out its realm amidst the stars."
H. G. Wells
Why should we do this unit?
Space is a fascinating subject, there are so many amazing things to learn and discover. Space exploration is a
natural extension of natural curiosity. Everybody wants to know what exists outside our world. This unit will
instill in child inquisitiveness and a scientific spirit thereby preparing him for life ahead. This Unit on Space-The
Final Frontier is designed to help teachers and students build a better understanding of the mysteries of the
universe through stories, classroom activities, projects etc.
General Learning objectives of the Unit:
 Give learners a general overview of the various topics pertaining to space they may come
across.

May realize the knowledge of the universe gained through space exploration which is of
incalculable intellectual value.

Help find solutions to other problems in the process. The curiosity of learners could help solve
some of humanity’s biggest challenges.

To encourage children to reflect on their learning and to pursue activities beyond their text.

To provide opportunities for contemplation and wondering about the amazing world of Space.
Specific Learning objectives for the Unit:

to develop a curiosity about the specific topics given such as constellations, astronauts,
animals sent in space, solar system etc.

to have gained an appreciation and understanding of short stories and poems.

to be able to articulate their views on various topics in the form of speech, paragraph writing
etc.

to have enhanced their vocabulary.
Section
Listening
Skills
Speaking
Skills
Reading Skills
Writing
Skills
Vocabulary
Grammar
A
Kalpana
Chawla

Listening
for
specific
information
 Taking
an
active part in
group
discussions,
showing
an
ability
to
express
agreement or
disagreement,
to summarise
ideas, to elicit
the views of
others, and to
present own
ideas
 Reading an article
for
specific
information
 Writing an
informal letter
 Matching
words
to
their
meanings

Consult
ing
the
dictionary for
use
of
unfamiliar
words
Active
Passive
 Distinguishing
main points from
specific details
 Drawing
inferences
 Interpreting ideas
by relating them
to other material
on the same
theme and to
own experience
and knowledge.
 Justifying
views
 Expressing
views
B
Off
to
Outer
Space
Tomorro
w
Morning
(poem)

Listening
for
specific
information
 Distinguishing
main points from
specific details
 Drawing
inferences
 Interpreting ideas
by relating them
to other material
on the same
theme and to
own experience
and knowledge.
 Taking
an
active part in
group
discussions,
showing
an
ability
to
express
agreement or
disagreement,
to summarise
ideas, to elicit
the views of
others, and to
present own
ideas

Discuss
ing views and
 Interpreting ideas
in the text by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and
to own experience
and knowledge.
 Writing
poem
a
 Making a
powerpoint
presentation
 Writing
diary entry
a
 Reading between
the lines
 Understanding
use of lexical
terms in context
 Collocations
 Identifying main
points of an article
 Crossword
 Drawing
inferences
 Interpreting ideas
in a text by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and
to own experience
and knowledge.

Predicting
 Identifying main
points of a poem
 Drawing
inferences
 Understanding
allusions and other
poetic devices

Interpretin
g ideas in a text by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and to
own experience and
 Writing
a
Diary entry


and
opinion
knowledge.

Present
ing
views
through use of
visual media
C
Recruiter
from
Another
World

Listening
for
specific
information
 Distinguishing
main points from
specific details
 Drawing
inferences

Interpreti
ng
ideas
by
relating them to
other material on
the same theme
and
to
own
experience
and
knowledge.
 Taking
an
active part in
group
discussions,
showing
an
ability
to
express
agreement or
disagreement,
to summarise
ideas, to elicit
the views of
others, and to
present own
ideas
 Identifying main
points of a story
 Writing
speech
a
 Reading between
the lines
 Writing
notice
a
 Drawing
inferences
 Writing
a
newspaper
report

Discuss
ing views and
opinion

Sequencin
g events

Interpretin
g ideas in a text by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and to
own experience and
knowledge.

 Writing
a
description
 Writing
story
a


Present
ing
views
through use of
visual media
D
The
Moon
Egg

Listening
for
specific
information
 Distinguishing
main points from
specific details
 Drawing
inferences
 Interpreting ideas
by relating them
to other material
on the same
theme and to
own experience
and knowledge.
 Taking
an
active part in
group
discussions,
showing
an
ability
to
express
agreement or
disagreement,
to summarise
ideas, to elicit
the views of
others, and to
present own
ideas

Discuss
ing views and
 Reading a poem
for
specific
information
 Interpreting ideas
in a passage by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and
to own experience
and knowledge.
 Reading between
the lines
 Drawing
inferences
 Interpreting ideas

writin
g a poem.

Writi
ng a diary
entry


opinion
 Presenting
views through
use of visual
media
E.
Animals
in Space

in a text by relating
it to other material
on the same theme
and
to
own
experience
and
knowledge.
 Taking
an
active part in a
debate,
showing
an
ability
to
express
agreement or
disagreement,
to summarise
ideas, to elicit
the views of
others, and to
present own
ideas
 Reading a poem
for
specific
information

Discuss
ing views and
opinion
 Drawing
inferences


 Interpreting ideas
in a passage by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and
to own experience
and knowledge.
 Reading between
the lines
 Interpreting ideas
in a text by
relating it to other
material on the
same theme and
to own experience
and knowledge.
SECTION A
Kalpana Chawla

Design
ing a pamphlet

Look at the picture given above. Have you ever gazed at twinkling stars and wondered what they are
there? How often have you wondered what is beyond the wide, blue canopy of the sky?
1. When you think about space what words/things cross your mind? List them in the
bubbles given below.
Vast
SPACE
2. AN INTERESTING FACT
Do you know what a Moon Tree is?
It is a tree which has been grown from hundreds of seeds sent into space with Apollo 14 in January
1971.These trees can be found in many odd corners of the world, as they proved to be extremely
popular. In addition to the original ones, there are a number of second generation specimens. NASA is
in the process of trying to track down all the moon trees, as poor records were kept in the 1970s when
they were distributed.
3. Have you ever wanted to reach out to the moon? Have you ever wanted to touch the fluffy
clouds? Ever wanted to pay a friendly visit to our neighbouring planets? Well, over the centuries,
man has discovered innumerable things, beginning from things of personal daily use to unknown
islands, land masses etc. the list is exhaustive. He has travelled to the frozen North and South Poles.
There is a strong desire in man to explore new things. Now man is exploring space. He has walked on
the moon, sent machines and cameras to Mars and Jupiter and is continuously on the move to enter
new vistas of this universe.
4. Now Try to answer the following questions to know more about space by ticking the correct
answer.
a) Year of first space mission
i) 1957
ii) 1960
iii) 1962
b) Country that sent first space mission
i) USA
ii) Russia (former USSR)
iii) India
c) First living being sent to space
i) Gordo, a monkey
ii) Enos, a chimpanzee
iii) Laika, a dog
d) First man in space
i) Neil Armstrong
ii) Edwin Aldrin
iii) Yuri Gagarin
e) First Indian in space
i) Rakesh Sharma
ii) Kalpana Chawla
iii) Chikoo, a monkey
5. Name the place in India where:
f) The Indian Space Research Institute is located
g) The center, with test, assembly and launch facilities for large multi-stage rockets and satellite
launchers is situated.
h) The location of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center is
6. You will listen to a passage about Outer Space. As you listen to the passage, answer the
following questions by ticking the correct options.
Answer the following questions. Select the most appropriate option.
1. We see blue colour the most when looking at Earth from outer space because ……………..
a) most of the Earth is covered in land.
b) the Sun’s rays make the Earth look blue.
c) most of the Earth is covered in water.
d) clouds are wrapped around the Earth.
2. “Scientists believe that meteorites smashed into the Moon millions of years ago and formed the
craters.” Here ‘formed’ means
a) hit
b) made
c) broke
d) stopped
3. Daylight is caused by ……………………
a) the Earth facing the full Moon
b) the Earth facing away from the Sun.
c) the heat of the Sun’s rays causes daylight.
d) the Earth facing toward the Sun.
4. Which of the following is NOT a true description of the Sun?
a) The Sun looks small because it is so far from Earth.
b) The Sun is a ball of burning gases that gives the Earth heat and light.
c) The Sun is a small star.
d) The Sun is not as hot as it looks.
5. The astronauts brought rocks back from the Moon because they ……………………
a) didn’t know if they would return to the Moon ever again.
b) wanted to study them and learn more about the Moon.
c) wanted to prove that they went to the Moon.
d) wanted to remember how the Moon looked.
6. The main idea of the article is that …………………
a) plants and animals can’t live on the Moon.
b) without the Sun we would have no heat or light.
c) we know a lot about the Earth, Moon, and Sun, but there is still more to learn.
d) from outer space, the Earth looks tiny, even though it is thousands of miles around.
7. THINK TANK
1. Describe some of the things we know about the moon.
Use the article to help support your answer.
2. Write one fact and one opinion from the article that tells what the Earth looks like from outer
space.
3. It has come to light that there exists one more zodiac sign. Find out which one is it. Collect
maximum information pertaining to it.
8. This lesson is about Kalpana Chawla, an Indian girl who succeeded in
her mission – to explore the space. Read the following essay about her
life.
Kalpana Chawla
On February 1, 2003, the Columbian space shuttle 1STS – 107
exploded as it entered the earth’s atmosphere, killing the entire crew of six. Among them was the
young Indian-born American astronaut, Kalpana Chawla. A girl who had always dreamt of the moon
and the stars had herself become a star. Not only did she achieve her dreams but she also led her life
with the highest sense of values and purpose in every respect. Her life history is the greatest inspiration
for the youth of today.
Kalpana Chawla was born in India’s Karnal district of Haryana. Her parents had seen great hardships
and were in dire straits during the Partition but had struggled to pull themselves up. However, they
were able to provide good education to Kalpana and her two siblings.
In everything that Kalpana did, she broke stereotypes2. She was the only girl at that time to join the
aeronautical engineering stream at the Punjab Engineering College. She fought and overcame
opposition from her parents and migrated to USA for further studies. Here, she joined the University of
Texas to pursue her Masters and later, University of Boulder, Colorado for her doctorate. This was
admirable, since few children at such a young age are so clear-minded about their ambitions.
Furthermore, even fewer have the will to pursue them with such single-minded dedication that
Kalpana did.
Kalpana’s sights were so completely focused on her goals that even her small town trappings3 were
no constraint for her. She crossed continents and high seas to an alien culture. She was truly a global
citizen, an earth person who wanted to explore her neighbourhood, the outer space!
From a very young age, JRD Tata4 and his maiden5 flight had captured her imagination. She too
dreamt of flying and reaching out to the stars and planets. Her fondness for flying saw her joining the
local flying club. She acquired a certified flight instructor’s license and commercial pilot’s license for
single- and multiple-engine land and seaplanes. She also became skilled in aerobatics. Finally in 1994,
1
Space shuttle: A reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth's atmosphere
stereotypes: to act or be like a set form or image
3
trappings: exterior decorations
4
JRD Tata: an industrialist who made the Tata Group of companies world famous. An aviator and a pioneer flier.
5
maiden: first, earliest
2
her efforts paid up when out of 2962 applicants for a space mission, NASA chose 19 and Kalpana’s
name figured in it.
Kalpana had worked hard towards it. She would say: “If you look up to the top of the mountain, then
climbing it may seem an impossible task. But if you focus on the next step and take it one step at a
time, then you certainly will be able to do it.” That is exactly what she did. She very dedicatedly
charted6 out her course, stuck to the path and took it in stride, one step at a time.
In 1994, Chawla began her career as an astronaut with NASA.
In 1997, she went on her maiden sortie in the space shuttle
STS – 87 Columbia as a mission specialist. She got
embroiled7 in an unfortunate controversy when she was
blamed for making mistakes that sent a science satellite
tumbling out of control. Other astronauts went on a space walk
to capture it. However a post-flight NASA evaluation absolved
her of
blame, rating her a ‘terrific astronaut’. This was underscored8
when she was chosen for the second time round, for the next
Columbia mission STS- 107 as a flight engineer and mission
specialist. In all she logged 30 days, 14 hours and 54 minutes in space.
For the second mission, she had carried with her CDs of her favourite artistes like Abida Parveen, Pt.
Ravi Shankar and Deep Purple, among others. She planned to autograph them in space and gift it as
mementoes to these artistes. But that was not to be. Sixteen minutes short of the scheduled landing,
Kalpana Chawla became one with the cosmos she so loved.
In her memory, the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. A.B.Vajpayee renamed the weather satellite launched
in 2002, Metstat as Kalpana-1. Deep Purple9 scripted and sang, ‘Contact Lost’ as a tribute to her.
These and many such small gestures round the world have kept her memory alive. But the real tribute,
the youngsters can pay her, is to enliven the ‘Kalpanas’ (imagination) in them.
9. Answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
6
What qualities set Kalpana apart from other children?
Why do you think did Kalpana’s parents oppose her migration to USA for further studies?
How did she finally become an astronaut?
Name two qualities which helped her achieve her goal.
Why was Kalpana called a global citizen?
What was she blamed for after her first sortie in 1997? Was the charge justified?
How was she honoured after her death?
Give evidence from the lesson to show that Kalpana was a determined and dedicated person.
charted: to lay out a plan for
embroiled: to get involved in conflict or difficulties
8
underscored: to make evident
9
Deep Purple: a British rock group
7
10. Read the sentence given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. A girl who had always dreamt of the moon and the stars had herself become a star.
a) Who is the girl being referred to?
b) What was her dream?
c) How did she achieve her dream?
d) What is the meaning of ‘had herself become a star’?
Vocabulary
11. Find words or phrases from the text. Match A and B.
A
Perishing
Inspiration
Opposition
Constraint
Embroiled
Absolved
Tribute
B
To evoke
Objection / Against
Killing / Destroying
Restriction
Not found guilty
Acknowledgement / Appreciation
Involve
12. Collocations:
Collocation refers to the way in which some words are always used together, or a particular
combination of words used in this way.
Read the following sentences:
Her parents had seen great hardships and were in dire straits during partition.
They were able to provide a good education to Kalpana.
The phrases in bold are collocations.
Choose the correct word from those given in brackets to complete the following sentences:
1.The man dug a ……………………. (deep/ low) pit and buried the treasure.
2.He is a fair person and we all hold him in ……………………… (strong/ high) esteem.
3.There is a ……………………… (strong/ high) smell in the room. See if the gas stove is switched off.
4. The ……………………… (low/ deep) cost of this Television set has led to its becoming the most
popular one.
5.He is a ……………………… (strong/ heavy) sleeper. No amount of noise will wake him up.
13. The following crossword puzzle contains terms associated with space exploration. Complete
it with the help of the clues given.
Across
1. Twinkle, twinkle little _____
4. People who train to go into outer space
9. This goes on forever
10. Ninth planet from the Sun
11. It goes through phases
12. Usually the eighth planet from the Sun
13. Fifth planet from the Sun
Down
2. Objects in orbit between Mars and Jupiter
3. First invented and used in ancient Greece and China
5. This space object is actually white, not yellow
6. These space objects come from the oort cloud
7. Spacecraft used to transport astronauts into space
8. A meteor’s name after it hits Earth
14. Identify and list words related to space from the passage and use at least five of them in
meaningful sentences.
(i)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(ii)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(iii)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(iv)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(v)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15. Speaking.
What would you like to be when you grow up? Why?
Tell the class in about 50 words about your aim in life and give two to three reasons to justify your
choice.
16. REFLECTION
All of us know that the earth is round and it rotates on its axis thus resulting in day and night and
change of seasons. Imagine the earth stops rotating, what would be the impact on us? What havoc will
it create? Discuss in the class and list in the following blanks:
Eg. Everything on earth will go flying into air.
………………………
……………………..
………………………
………………………
………………………
……………………..
………………………
……………………….
…………………..
…………………..
……………………
…………………….
17. Writing
As Kalpana, write a letter to your parents in Karnal expressing your happiness at being selected for
your dream project Columbus 87.
NASA
Houston
Texas
_________
Dear Mom and Dad
You will be happy to know that I have been selected as a team member for the project Columbus 87.
Today my wishes have come true as I always wanted to go into space. I am sure you will be proud of
me ………………………………………………….............
Yours affectionately
Kalpana
18. Writing a poem:
Writing Poetry is a wonderful outlet for expressing ideas. Poetry can be used to convey ideas,
information and feelings but, above all, it is a great means of entertainment. The elements to include
are imagination and imagery and conveying these ideas by writing poetry which makes good use of
rhythm, rhyme, tone and using the English language and its various means to enhance your work. The
two most popular devices to enable you to do this when writing poetry is the use of metaphors (A
figure of speech in which two things are compared like "the world's a stage") and Similes (A figure of
speech in which two things are compared using the word "like" or "as.") The use of such devices when
writing poetry allows the writer to broaden the images and meanings of everyday terms so that they
take on a new dimension.
Writing poetry - Ideas that may help you to write poetry
*
Decide on the subject you wish to write about. Start with a familiar subject and then go on to
some obscure subjects that you have previously never given much thought to
*
Think about something special or unique to the subject
*
List some descriptive words which may provide some clear information to the reader
*
Try to create pictures in the reader's mind - your aim is to fire the imagination
*
Express your feelings
*
Convey your feelings by the tone of your poetry
*
Bind the words and ideas together. Connect them by the use of rhyme which will provide your
poetry with the element of repetition of identical or related sounds
*
Get some rhythm into your poetry - the number of lines and your choice of poetry form will
help you with this. Song lyrics are poetry set to music - tap out the beat or rhythm when you
are writing poetry, or reading poetry
*
Visual patterns - does your written poetry create a good pattern on the page?
*
Read your poetry to a friend!
*
Enjoy yourself - Writing poetry should be fun!
Compose a poem of 10-14 lines giving a befitting tribute to Kalpana Chawla.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
19. Power point presentation
The class should be divided into groups of 4-5 students. Each group will make a power point
presentation on Kalpana Chawla / Sunita Williams/any other famous astronaut. The power
point presentation should comprise of ---*
*
*
*
*
childhood
schooling
teachers’ comments
training
achievements
You may add any other information about as well.
IMPORTANT: Here are some links to interesting sites related to space. Watch them and discuss
with your classmates.
http://www.nasa.gov/
http://hubblesite.org/
http://isro.org/
http://www.space.com
Star Trek link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqpd8Uuekk
LEARNING GRAMMAR
20.
1. Read the passage given below.
In 1997, *Kalpana Chawla went on her maiden sortie in the space shuttle STS – 87 Columbia as a
mission specialist. *She got embroiled in an unfortunate controversy. +She was blamed for letting go
of a science satellite during an experiment that had to be retrieved later. But +she was absolved of
these charges upon subsequent investigations. +She was chosen for the second time round, for the next
Columbia mission STS- 107 as a flight engineer and mission specialist. In all *she logged 30 days, 14
hours and 54 minutes in space.
2. Study the verbs in bold. Working with your partner, identify the subject of these actions and
complete the table as shown.
Subject
Kalpana Chawla
Verb
went
The sentences where the subject is marked with a * are in active voice as _______________________
__________________________________________.
The sentences where the subject is marked with a + are in passive voice as ______________________
__________________________________________.
You could listen to more about active and passive voice at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g72m8wyNzsI
Formation of the Passive
Given below are the active and passive equivalents followed by some examples of active and passive
sentences.
Tenses
Active Voice
Passive Voice
Simple present
write/writes
am/is/are written
Present continuous
am/is/are writing
am/is/are being written
Simple past
wrote
was/were written
Past continuous
was/were writing
was/were being written
Present perfect
has/have written
has/have been written
Past perfect
had written
had been written
Simple future
will write
will be written
Conditional
would write
would be written
Perfect conditional
would have written
would have been written
Present infinitive
to write
to be written
Perfect infinitive
to have written
to have been written
Present participle/Gerund
writing
being written
Perfect participle
having written
having been written
21. Put the following into the passive voice. Use the underlined words as subject.
1. The boy picks up the ball.
2. The Principal is addressing the boys.
3. The manufacturers are giving away a crystal vase with each carpet.
4. He is putting some chairs in the room.
5. They are tearing down the building across the road to build a Mall.
6. The Head Master is punishing Danish for flouting the school’s rules.
7. The hijackers have taken the passengers hostage.
8. He has delivered the message to your boss.
9. The government called out the army to suppress the riots.
10. Someone saw him pick up the gun.
22. Convert these notices from passive voice to active voice. The first one has been done for you.
1. Second-hand books bought and sold here.
1. We buy and sell second-hand books.
2. Travellers cheques accepted.
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. Dogs not allowed in the park.
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. Experienced electricians needed.
4. ___________________________________________________________
5. Car repairs undertaken.
5. ___________________________________________________________
6. All kinds of household appliances repaired.
6. ___________________________________________________________
23. Expand the following headlines to complete the following news stories.
(i) Govt orders construction halt at Vedanta refinery
India's environment ministry …………………………………………………………. aimed at
expanding its aluminum refinery in Orissa, as the company had not got the required environmental
clearances.
(ii)
Dengue Claims Hundreds of Lives
........................................................ 600 lives in Delhi alone. The disease, that can sometime be deadly,
spread due to the breeding mosquitoes after the monsoon.
(iii) 4 nabbed for chain snatching
Four men who would even fly to Mumbai ................................... by the Delhi Police.
(iv) Now, earth-friendly plastic from plants
IBM researchers have said that ………………………………………………that could replace
petroleum-based products that are tough on the environment.
(v) Bangalore Panics as Fuel Outlets Run Dry
............................................................................................. on Thursday leading to scuffles,
long queues, postponed travel plans and hard bargaining with autorickshaw drivers
(vi) ............................................................................... Dead Fish Flood Satluj-beas Canal
Drinking
water
supply
to
several
areas
in
Punjab
after ............................................................................................. dead fish.
has
been
stopped
At
least
five
Chase
branches
in
Colorado
Oklahoma
.......................................................................................
Monday .......................................................................................
and
on
(vii) US Banks Receive Threatening Letters: FBI
(viii) Invest in Children’s Education: PM
Stressing the importance of education in bridging the rural-urban gap, the Prime Minister has called
upon all state governments and parents ....................................................................................... of
children for the progress of the country.
(ix) 17 Killed, 30 Injured in Imphal Blast
....................................................................................... on Tuesday night when unidentified
militants ....................................................................................... attached to a two-wheeler near a
police commando complex in Imphal West district.
(x)Hospital for Cancer Patients Inaugurated
The
much
needed
hospital
for
cancer
patients ........................................................................................ by the chief minister of
Karnataka yesterday.
24. Write headlines for the following news stories.
(a) ………………………………………………………………………..
The revolutionary fighters who captured Moammar Qaddafi's son and one-time heir apparent said
Sunday they want to hold him in their town until a court system is established in Libya, and they
demanded he be tried inside the country.
(b) ………………………………………………………………………..
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard met here Saturday for a
brief interaction to take forward discussions on selling uranium to India and also to review their
strategic partnership.
(c) ………………………………………………………………………..
In an online poll conducted by MSN India, readers were asked if Sheila must resign following the
severe indictment in the CWG scam. Out of a total of 17,870 responses, 14,887 (83%) said that the
Delhi Chief Minister must resign. If Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had to step down
following the Lokayukta report on the mining scam, why not Sheila, the readers wondered.
(d) ………………………………………………………………………..
Black money, corruption and inflation were the mainstay of BJP leader L.K. Advani's speech on the
Ramlila Maidan here, where he announced on Sunday the culmination of his Jan Chetna Yatra and the
beginning of a struggle against these social ills. In proof of his party and allies' commitment to weed
out corruption, Mr. Advani declared, all MPs of the NDA would, in the first week of the coming
Parliament session, “solemnly declare that they do not own directly or indirectly bank accounts or
assets outside India.”
(e) ………………………………………………………………………..
Teenage fast bowler Pat Cummins took six wickets on his debut as Australia kept alive its hopes of
squaring the series on the fourth day of the second and final Test against South Africa at the
Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.
Section B
Off to Outer Space Tomorrow Morning
Warming up
1. Given below in Column A are some words related to Space Travel. Match the words to their
definitions in Column B.
Column A
Column B
aeronautics
a person who travels in space, usually refers to an American space traveller
astronaut
condition of zero gravity in orbit
atmosphere
an orbiting space structure in which astronauts live and work
cosmonaut
science of space travel outside of the earth’s atmosphere
gravity
Russian word for space traveller
interstellar space
a layer of gases surrounding a planet
satellite
refers to the first reusable U.S. aerospace craft
shuttle
the vast expanse outside the solar system and between the stars
space station
the force that every mass has, which attracts other masses
weightlessness
natural or artificial body that orbits around a planet
2. Discuss with your partner the problems and dangers that an astronaut may face.
loneliness
Astronauts face
3. Read the following poem written by an astronaut getting ready to travel into space.
Off to Outer Space Tomorrow Morning
You can start the Count Down1, you can take a last look;
You can pass me my helmet from its plastic hook;
You can cross out my name in the telephone book –
For I’m off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
There won’t be any calendar, there won’t be any clock;
Daylight will be on the switch2 and winter under lock3.
I’ll doze when I’m sleepy4 and wake without a knock –
For I’m off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
I’ll be writing no letters; I’ll be posting no mail.
For with nobody to visit me and not a friend in hail5,
In solit’ry6 confinement as complete as any gaol7
I’ll be off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
When my capsule door is sealed and my space-flight has begun,
With the teacups circling round me8 like the planets round the sun,
I’ll be centre of my gravity, a universe of one,
Setting off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
You can watch on television and follow from afar,
Tracking9 through your telescope my upward shooting star,
But you needn’t think I’ll give a damn for you or what you are10
When I’m off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
And when the rockets thrust me on my trans-galactic11 hop,
With twenty hundred light-years before the first stop,
Then you and every soul on earth can go and blow your top12 –
For I’m off to Outer Space tomorrow morning.
1
Count Down : the final moments counted backwards from 10 to 0 before the launch
daylight will be on the switch : there will be a continuous switching over from day to night
3
winter under lock : there will not be any changing seasons
4
I’ll doze when I’m sleepy : as there are no fixed day/night hours, I’ll sleep when I feel sleepy
5
in hail : within earshot; within hearing distance
6
solit’ry : alone
7
gaol (pronounced jail) : prison
8
teacups circling round me : teacups circling because of lack of gravitational pull
9
tracking : following
10
But you needn’t think I’ll give a damn for you or what you are : don’t think I will have time to think about you
11
trans-galactic : across galaxies
12
blow your top : to explode in anger
2
- Norman Nicholson
4. Answer the following questions.
1. Why does the poet say ‘you can take a last look;’ and ‘You can cross out my name in the telephone
book –’?
2. What does, ‘There won’t be any calendar, there won’t be any clock;’ signify?
3. ‘Space’ and ‘confinement’ signify concepts that are opposite. Why does the poet choose to talk
about ‘solit’ry confinement’ in ‘Outer Space’?
4. Why does the poet say ‘I’ll give a damn ....... are’?
5. Appreciating the poem
1. What is the phrase that the poet repeats in the poem? What is the place of repetition in this poem? Is
it effectively used?
2. What is the overall tone/mood of the poem?
a) sadness
b) jubilation
c) down-to-earth
d) humorous
e) nonchalance
3. A simile is a direct comparison between two unlike objects using ‘as’ or ‘like’. There are two
similes in the poem. Can you find them?
4. Give the rhyme scheme of the poem.
6. Activity
1. When you read about the space shuttle being blown up along with the crew, what did you feel?
2. Put yourself in the place of an astronaut who will be off to outer space tomorrow morning. Jot down
the emotions that you would feel.
Writing
7. As the astronaut, write a diary entry outlining your feelings as you leave for outer space.
READER’S RESPONSE
8. Imagine you have been approached by NASA to join their next mission into space. Would you
accept it? Why/why not? List your answer in the form of points in the blanks given below:
WHY
WHY NOT
9. Write a letter to NASA, accepting/ not accepting the mission into space.
Section C
Recruiter from Another World
Warming up
1. Here is an interesting quiz on the solar system and the various steps taken by man to explore
space. Award yourself one mark for each correct answer. To check your answers, take the help
of your teacher and the internet. All the best and here you go……..
*
Which was the first animal sent into space?
* Rabbit
* Dog
* Mouse
* Goat
*
The astronauts on this spaceship landed on the moon. They littered the moon so much that it
has been termed as the most "expensive rubbish in history"? What was the name of the
spaceship?
* Apollo
* Voyager
* Pioneer
* Sputnik
*
Name the heaviest object ever launched into space.
* Ariel, a satellite
* Salyut space station
* Luna, a spacecraft
* Skylab, a space station
*
Where is the world's largest radio telescope located?
* Brazil
* Chile
* Puerto Rico
* Mexico
*
The sun is
*
the only star in our galaxy.
*
just one of billions of stars that make up our galaxy.
*
the largest planet in our solar system.
*
technically speaking, one of Earth’s moons.
*
Which of these features makes the Earth unique among planets?
*
It is the only round planet.
*
*
*
It is the only planet with its own moon.
It is the only planet that has enough oxygen in its atmosphere to sustain life.
It is the only ringed planet.
*
Comets are icy masses of frozen gases and dust particles. What happens when a comet gets too
close to the sun?
* The gases catch fire, making the comet glow.
* The ice begins to melt, leaving a trail of gases and debris.
* The comet explodes, which is called a supernova.
* The comet bounces off the sun’s magnetosphere.
*
What is a meteorite?
* a chunk of comet (rock) that survives our atmosphere and falls to Earth.
* a meteor that hasn't hit Earth yet
* a piece of rock that is in orbit around the Earth
* a radioactive moon rock
*
What is the central and largest body of our solar system?
* Jupiter
* the Milky Way
* Earth
* the sun
*
The fates of the sun and the Earth are linked. Which of the following explains why this
statement is true?
* Without the Earth in orbit, the sun would quickly burn up.
* Without the heat and light from the sun, life on Earth will cease.
* Without each other, they would both spin out of control.
* Without the sun to cool things off, the interior of the Earth would burn up the planet.
2. Read the newspaper clipping given below.
Could life exist on discovered extra-solar planets?
Discovered: A whole new Solar system…….
54 planets out of 1,200 may be able to support life:
Source: The Times of India(Student Edition) Friday,February4,2011
The chances of finding alien life were given a boost after NASA revealed it had found
evidence of more than 1,200 planets in orbit around far distant stars. If the findings are
confirmed, it will more than triple the number of known planets outside our own solar
system in one fell swoop and, amazingly, 45 of them could be able to support life. Only
two potentially habitable planets have previously been found outside earth’s solar
system, so Kepler chief scientist William Borucki said 54 is announced the discovery of
a new planets system made up of at least six planets orbiting a star 2,000 light years
away. The new solar system was spotted using Nasa’s
Kepler space telescope which looks for tiny flickers in the brightness of a star each time
a planet passes across its surface. The star- called Kepler -11- is similar to our own
Sun.
3. A planet has to meet certain conditions in order to support life. What are the most important
factors required to sustain life on any planet? Write your answers in the blanks given below.
Eg. the planet should lie in a habitable zone
…………………………….
…………………………….
……………………………..
……………………………..
4. For centuries, men have pondered the possibility of life on other planets and tried to prove its
existence. Even before the first shuttle or probe was launched, stories of life on other planets and
life invading our own planet, were published prolifically. Whether it’s a desire to connect with
others or a burning curiosity to know whether we are truly alone, the question of life on
other planets fascinates people from every walk of life.
Do you think there is life on other planets? Discuss in class giving apt reasons to support your
answer.
5. Listen
Listen to the narration of Kaleidoscope( Abridged) by Ray Bradbury on the following link.
http://vimeo.com/8809840
Story by Rick Badman
RECRUITER FROM ANOTHER WORLD
(Silent reading followed by dramatised reading)
I was in a fast food restaurant one day when a beautiful woman ahead of me had a hard time selecting
from the menu.
"Excuse me, sir, but I don't know what to order. What do you like to eat and drink?"
"I usually order a chicken sandwich, French fries, and a soda. Do you like chicken?"
"I.....I don't know. I'm new around here."
"You don't know? I thought people around the world liked chicken."
"I like chicken. I just am used to eating the bird itself and not a chicken sandwich."
"Then you'll like the sandwich. How about the French fries and soda?"
"If you like them, I'll order them too."
"Tell you what. I'll order for both of us, if you don't mind."
"If you want, I'll trust you."
When I walked up to the counter I ordered two chicken sandwiches, a large order of French fries to
share with her, and two sodas. I dispensed what I thought she would like and walked with her over to a
table in the corner. That is when the most incredible story I had ever heard was told by her.
After praying briefly over my meal I struck up a conversation with her.
"You said you weren't from around here. Where exactly are you from?"
"Please don't think I'm crazy. But my name is Yulloa Constranene. I come from a distant world where
my father is the ruler."
I stopped momentarily and took another bite before asking her, "Is this a movie we're in?"
"I knew you would think I was lying."
"It's not that. I have a friend I call Crazy Dan who always talks about aliens and alien technology. But I
always thought I deserved to meet one before he did. Show me some proof."
She slowly placed her purse on the table and opened it to pull out a device she handed me. It looked
like a cell phone and even flipped open like one. But the images leaped from the screen like holograms
only they were crystal clear and almost looked solid. It was of a large building that was futuristic in
appearance.
"That is the palace at Stornhaggen. I was sent from there to your planet to find someone who will best
represent your people. You might be that person."
"I would be honoured. Have you approached others?"
"A few people, but they thought I was crazy. You aren't like them, are you?"
"I'm willing to believe anything about alien life on other planets as long as it makes sense to me. I love
science fiction, so I'm used to stories like what is happening. What would I have to do?"
"You would be your planet's ambassador and advocate. Are you interested?"
"Very. Did you get here by ship or wormhole?"
"Neither one. I am a projection created from an assembly of atoms. You could say I am still on my
planet but am in contact with my projection remotely."
Word meanings:
Dispensed:get rid of or manage without
Incredible:unbelievable
Distant:far away in pace or time
Momentarily:for a short time
Assembly:group of people gathered together
Projection:a prediction about something based on what is happening now
"I do a cable TV program and have written about that."
"Do your people have that capability?"
"No. I do a program on future technology. It's good to know at least one of my ideas works. Do you
actually taste what you are eating on your planet from such a long distance away?"
"Yes. This sandwich tastes like a fowl on my world known as a jarell. It has four legs and wings and is
delicious. And these French fries taste good too. You have made good food selections."
"Thank-you.
"Would you mind coming to my world after the meal?"
"I don't want to leave my car behind. Maybe, after we drive back to my apartment."
"That will be fine. Is it above ground?"
"Yes, why?"
"If you lived over 100 meters below the surface of your planet, I would lose the connection between
what you see and myself on my planet."
"I live on the ground floor."
"Very good, it should be no problem travelling from your world to mine then."
After the meal I drove her to my apartment and after going to the bathroom, I joined her in the living
room and we teleported instantly to her world. But instead of being taken to the throne room to meet
her father, I was taken to an alien boot camp where I was given military training as were over 100
other people from other worlds. I wanted to yell and scream about what was happening. But I was also
interested in what lay ahead of me.
For the next couple weeks I was trained to be a starship officer. It was actually a dream come true even
though it might mean never seeing earth again. With a regular job waiting for me back home, the
adventure of travelling among the stars seemed exciting. That was before reality slapped me in the face
during the first mission.
We headed for a colony several light-years away where an alien race was trying to take it over. I led
my forces in fighting suits to a city where alien troops were dug in for a fight. The ship could have
dissolved it into trillions of atoms. But the colonists wanted the city left intact. So the fighting had to
be conducted practically door-to-door.
The opponents had inferior weapons compared to ours. And none of them wore fighting suits or had
force fields to protect them. They wore simple protective vests that were easy to rip open with our
particle beams and projectiles. We spared most of the buildings and killed all the defenders. They
looked like lizards which made killing them seem not so repulsive. But I still felt sorry for them.
Hundreds of battles and a few years of missions later I rose through the ranks to become a starship
captain. The closer I came to earth again was over 20 light-years away. For all I know, my family
might think I'm dead. And the woman who brought me to her planet was never seen again. But if you
are standing in line at a fast food restaurant behind a beautiful woman with long black hair, large green
eyes, and a story about being from another world, unless you have a life worth living on earth and
friends who will miss you, tell her you'll go with her back to her planet. You might end up
commanding a starship in a fleet that is the most potent force in the universe, to my knowledge.
Word meanings:
Colonist:an inhabitant of a country or area under the control of another country
Intact:not damaged
Opponents:a person who competes with another
Repulsive:arousing a feeling of strong disgust
VOCABULARY ENHANCEMENT:
6. Look up the dictionary to find out the meanings of the following words:
*
Trillion:_______________
*
Dissolved:_____________________
*
Troops:________________
*
Mission:__________________
*
Ambassador:_______________
*
Advocate:___________________
7. Tick mark the most appropriate answer:
1.It was difficult for the woman to decide on the menu because
(a)there were a whole lot of options available
(b)she had never eaten before
(c)she did not know the terminology on the menu card
2.The writer ordered
(a)chicken and soda
(b)butter chicken and naan
(c)chicken sandwich, French fries and soda
3.The beautiful woman belonged to
(a)Switzerland
(b)outer space
(c)The Alps
4.The defenders were clad in
(a) simple protective vests
(b) iron suits
(c) armour replete with chains
5.The buildings were spared by the writer so that
(a)they could be used and were not a threat
(b)the aliens could be trapped inside
(c)could be safe haven for all the earthly creatures
8. Answer the following questions briefly(in about 30-40 words)in your notebooks:
1. Why did the woman agree to eat what the writer ordered?
2. What were the questions raised by him?
3. How did she appreciate the writer?
4. What excited him when he reached her territory?
5. What kind of training was he given?
6. Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story?
9. Put the events of the story in correct order to complete the Sequence Snake.
LISTENING
10. Your Teacher will read to you an account given by some boys who spotted a UFO. As you
listen, note down the important points of the text. Then answer the following questions.
MEN IN JOGGING SUITS
*
On January 31, 1978, three young boys were "bootskating" on the ice-covered playing field of
the Montvale Memorial Elementary School in Montvale, New Jersey. Michael Cook, his
brother John, and their friend Walter Cummings watched as a flying object approached and
hovered overhead.
UFO
*
Since it remained stationary for almost five minutes, the boys got a good look at the object. It
was square with rounded corners and appeared to have a dome on top. It had a yellow light at
each corner and a light underneath, which cast a red beam that stopped just short of the ground.
*
Michael,Walter and John quickly realized that they were seeing something strange. As the
flying object moved away, they became frightened and ran to the dugout by the school's
baseball diamond. By then, the object had disappeared. Before they could discuss what had
happened, they noticed what looked like a man in a yellow jogging suit across the road from
the field. Michael thought it was a neighbor who frequently jogged in the evening.
*
"Mr. Johnson," Michael called to the man, "did you see that UFO?"
*
Immediately the man turned toward the boys, and Michael gasped. The man was not Mr.
Johnson. His head was shaped oddly, and had a crease down the forehead; he looked more like
a hawk than a man. Then, before he could answer, ten other creatures, all in yellow jogging
suits, joined him. Each one was bald and had large, dark, square places where his eyes should
have been; their skin was light yellow. They walked stiffly, like Nazi soldiers, according to
John. "Have you heard of Hitler's army?" John later asked a UFOlogist who interviewed him.
"You know how they walked kind of stiff, with their arms straight? Well, that's . . . how they
looked."
*
But the joggers weren't the only strange thing that the boys saw after the UFO. All three
noticed that the surroundings had grown eerily silent. They also smelled the odour of burning
sulfur.
*
Mustering their courage, they left the dugout to get a better look at the Yellow-suited creatures.
Some were walking back and forth, while others headed down a nearby road. Then the boys
noticed another figure - a woman, they believed.
*
She was wearing a short dress and had no facial features. As Michael said, she just had skin on
her face. She walked down the road to a low fence, where she sat down. She pointed at the
three boys, as if to signal them, then raised her arm skyward. Michael, Walter and John looked
up and saw the squarish object flying toward them. The woman stood up and began to walk
away. A police car drove toward her, but as it approached, she disappeared. After it had passed
the spot where she had been, the boys saw her reappear and continue walking.
*
As she got farther away, something even stranger happened. "Parts of her," the three boys later
reported, "kept going away - disappearing - and coming back again." Finally the woman
walked through the rear wall of a building and disappeared completely.
*
So did the creatures in the yellow suits, but the boys had concentrated so much on observing
the woman that they did not see what had happened to the men. Now everything was normal
again - almost.
*
The boys hurried to Michael's house and banged on the door. Michael father, Hilton, looked out
the window to see what the matter was. He saw the boys at the door, but he also saw a spinning
object in the sky. It had yellow and red lights exactly where the three other boys had seen them
earlier. Hilton let his brother and his friends in. After a few minutes' discussion, they decided to
telephone the police. As it turned out, no other UFO reports had been made that night. But the
boys didn't doubt for a moment what they had seen.
*
By now you might be wondering if the boys really saw a UFO. They said that they saw
something in the sky. Could it have been an airplane? After all, they lived on the flight path for
Newark Airport.
Word meanings:
Stiffly:not relaxed or friendly
Stationary:not moving
Jogging:running at a steady,gentle pace
Eerily:in a frightening manner
Mustering:summoning up a feeling or attitude
Q What do you think the UFO investigators would have done?
QWhat do you think the boys would have seen?
Q How do you think the investigators would have carried out their enquiry?
*
You might also wonder if the boys saw the yellow-clad UFO occupants. Perhaps they were so
frightened by the flying object that they turned ordinary people into aliens.
*
And what about the strange woman? Why was she pointing at the sky, and did she really
disappear? Maybe she was a ghost. Or maybe she was just a tired woman walking home from
work who happened to stretch her arm a moment.
*
Were the boys playing a prank? Or were they so scared by a passing plane that they imagined a
spooky UFO? Were they trying to get some attention? Or could they have been telling the truth?
*
Three UFO investigators, Budd Hopkins, Ted Bloecher, and Patrick Huyghe, decided to study
the case. First, they called the boys' parents and arranged to investigate the encounter. On
February 5, five days after the initial sighting, they arrived in Montvale. The men inspected the
playing field and surrounding area. They also interviewed each boy privately.
*
The investigators had two questions in mind: Were the boys lying, or had they seen something?
If they had seen something, could it be explained by normal circumstances?
*
In the course of their questioning, the men tried to trick the boys into admitting that they hadn't
really seen a UFO or any strange creatures. They questioned the boys about Star Trek, Star
Wars, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But they learned from Eddie and Michael's
father that his sons had never been interested in science fiction. The boys stuck to their story.
As Budd Hopkins wrote in his report, "It became clear to all three of us by the end of the day
that the boys were not perpetrating a hoax."
*
If the boys had actually seen a UFO, the men wanted to know whether it was something
ordinary (like an airplane or a helicopter) that had caused the boys to jump to conclusions about
every person they next encountered. When the New York Air Traffic Control Center and
Newark Airport reported that no flying object had been picked up on radar in the vicinity of
Montvale that evening, the investigators decided to center their inquiry on the creatures.
*
Could they have been joggers?
*
Officer Pelsang of the Montvale Police Department reported that he had been on duty that
evening and had seen no group of joggers. In fact, he had never seen more than two people
jogging together in Montvale and never after dark. No one jogs after dark. They'd have to be
crazy." Officer Pelsang was certain that he would have noticed a large group of joggers.
*
If they were not joggers, could the creatures have been employees of the Department of Public
Works (DPW)?
*
The headquarters of the DPW were opposite the school's playing field and near where the boys
first saw the yellow-suited aliens. The three men discovered that the DPW workers wore
yellow uniforms in bad weather. However, Lewis Bradley of the DPW stated that all workers
had gone home at 4:30 P.m. on the day in question and that none were wearing yellow
uniforms that day.
*
The investigators were persistent in their questioning. Could another group of workers have
been there that day?
*
"Look," Mr. Bradley said impatiently, "there are only six men who work here, and I'm the boss.
I just finished handing in their time sheets."
*
As for the female creature, no one else had seen her. That left Hopkins, Bloecher, and Huyghe
with no way to prove or disprove the boys' encounter.
*
Did the boys see a UFO? The investigators concluded that the boys' reports should not be
ignored. They agreed with Officer Pelsang, who said, "Twelve-year old boys don't call the
police unless they're really upset about something." The boys must have seen something real
that night. However, no matter what the investigators wanted to believe, they could not prove
that anything had happened. As they wrote in their final report, "The story is interesting but,
alas, the amount of value from a case of this kind . . . is doubtful."
Word meanings:
Initial:existing or occurring at the beginning
Investigate:carry out a systematic enquiry
Perpetrating:
Hoax:humorous or cruel trick
Vicinity:the area nearor surrounding a place
Persistent:continuing to do something in spite of difficulty or opposition
VOCABULARY ENHANCEMENT:
1. Match the words with their correct meanings.
1. crease-
a. unfamiliar
2. eerily-
b. deception
3. mustering-
c. lines made by folding or crushing
4. aliens-
d. strange
5. hoax-
e. to continue doing something in spite obstacles
6. persistent-
f. summoning courage
Answer the following questions
* What were the boys doing?
* What did they see?
* Were the boys able to see the flying object closely? Why?
* Describe the flying object in your own words.
* What did the boys notice after the flying object had vanished?
* What was so strange about the woman they saw?
* Was the woman seen by anybody else other than the boys?
* Whom did the boys report to about the incident?
* Did the UFO investigators believe the boys? Why/Why not?
* Who do you think the men in yellow jogging suits were? Give reasons.
WRITING
11. Imagine you are the young dynamic gentleman who encountered that beautiful woman.
Write a diary entry in about 125-150 words in your notebooks about your experience in the
outer space and once you reach your own, familiar home. The format of diary entry has been
taken up in your previous units.
12. Imagine you are the writer in the story, after the space odyssey, you come back to earth.
You are invited in a science congress to narrate your experience of the space odyssey. Write a
speech in about 100 words to be given in the Science Congress.
HOW TO WRITE A SPEECH
Purpose:
 to convey information to a large gathering of people
 to pass a wide range of information
 to express an opinion, share a point of view, experience, observation etc.
Format:
 address the audience
 key sentence should carry the central theme or issue
 compare and contrast
Most Important:




Begin with a catchy introduction in the form of an anecdote, quotation or a thought provoking
question
Clarity of thought and facts
Bring credibility by supporting data
Use language that is persuasive
13. In 2004, Branson launched Virgin Galactic, a company dedicated to space tourism. Imagine you
are one of its members interested in exploring Jupiter as a tourist destination. Draft a notice in not
more than 50 words about your forthcoming trip inviting volunteers to join your team. Use the
guidelines given below.
Note: A well written notice will tell its reader:
 What is about to happen
 When will it happen
 Where it will happen
 Who can take part
 How to apply to
 Where to apply to
NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
DATE
NOTICE
HEADING
CONTENT:
DAY,DATE,TIME,VENUE
TOTAL NUMBER OF SEATS AVAILABLE
COST
OTHER NECESSARY DETAILS
NAME
DESIGNATION
Here is a sample NOTICE for you to get some idea as to how to write one:
DEFENCE COLONY RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION
14th February 2011
NOTICE
FREQUENT POWER CUTS IN COLONY
A meeting of the residents of the colony will be held on Sunday, 27th February2011 at 5pm at
the Community Centre to discuss the frequent power cuts in the colony. A memorandum will
be drafted and presented to the Chief Engineer to register the protest.
All the residents must attend the meeting. For further information , contact the undersigned.
Karan Singh
President, RWA
14. Imagine you saw the woman from outer space land in a UFO. You approached the UFO
investigators with your sighting and now you have been asked to fill up the following form that has
been prepared by a UFO Research Organization. Fill up the form with appropriate details.
UFO REPORT FORM
1.Place:
Date:
Time:
2. Angle of UFO in the sky:
3. Appearance of UFO
(i)Shape
(ii)Sound
(iii)Colour
(iv) Movements
(v) Number of Objects
(vi) Brightness
(compared to a star, Venus, Moon, Sun, etc)
(vii)Direction it came from
4. Name of Witnesses:
5. How long was the UFO seen for?
6. Description of any living creatures seen
NAME:
Signatures:
15. Look at the picture of a UFO with the strange looking creatures aboard it. Now visualize
some other such aliens and describe them. Give their distinctive
features like size, colour, antennae etc. Also draw the creatures
using coloured pencils.
You could also watch the following films to know more about
aliens. After watching these films discuss the protagonists in each
film; what do you like most about them, were you moved by their
condition, how should they have been dealt with etc.
*
Extra Terrestrial
*
Koi Mil Gaya
16. Following is a brief outline of a story. With the help of these guidelines, develop an interesting
story. After writing it, share it with your classmates.
Ms. Suzzane Kirk,34, a peasant’s wife, going to fields 5.0am Wednesday 18 June- Maryland village,
Virginia, USA-round thing, as big as a train- three legs-at angle of about35 degree in sky- as bright as
a shooting star-sizzling noise-dark green lights- watched for about 15 mins-disappeared in a short
while-sky nearly clear, but with a little scattered cloud, no rain
17. EYES FROM OTHER WORLD……..
Discuss
*
Do you believe in the existence of aliens and UFOs? Give reasons.
*
What is your opinion about the incident? Discuss in class.
*
Why could not the UFO investigators prove anything?
* What are the mysteries surrounding earth?
* What is the full form of UFO?
* Have you ever heard about UFOs earlier in life? If yes, share it with the fellow students in the
class.
Eyes from other worlds are watching us, according to the International UFO Society. The number
of recorded sightings of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) has increased over the years, says the
Society. No less than 14000 reports have been received by the Society, some accompanied by
photographs or video recordings. While the Society’s Chairman, Prof. E.S. Petrie, admits that the
vast majority were since confirmed as meteors, ion clouds, aircrafts, birds, balloons etc. a
significant minority are still officially classified as ‘unidentified’. “This means”, he says,” that the
possibility remains strong that the earth is regularly being visited by creatures from other planets.
We have many accounts. We are being visited, regularly, by extra-terrestrial beings. Sooner or later
world governments will have to face up to this fact, and do something about it.”
As a newspaper reporter, write a news story in about 100 words about a UFO sighting in your
area.
HOW TO WRITE A NEWSPAPER REPORT
Headline:
Every news article has a headline to attract the attention of the reader. The headline must state the topic
of the news in a strong, short phrase or statement.
A headline must be:
• catchy
• brief—leave out articles, prepositions, etc. where possible and use abbreviations/shortened
word-forms
Byline:
Since this is your news article, you need to let the reader know who wrote it. The line with your name
on it is called the ‘Byline’ because it tells by whom the article is written. Write the word ‘By’ followed
by your first and last name. On the next line, write the name of your school and city.
Lead Paragraph:
A lead paragraph usually answers the questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why.
Remember to write about these in your lead paragraph:
• Name or names of the person or thing this news is about.
• The place where this incident happened.
• The day, date and time of the day when it happened.
• Details of the incident.
• Reasons why the incident happened.
Paragraph 2:
The second paragraph should tell the reader how the incident happened. Narrate the incident in
chronological order.
Paragraph 3:
Eyewitness accounts add to the authenticity of the news. Also, they may interest the reader. Include
some quotes from the eyewitnesses’ comments. Also describe what they felt about the incident.
Paragraph 4:
Describe the future course of action being planned.
Note: Remember to use simple, clear but formal language.
SAMPLE REPORT
A newspaper reporter has been sent to report on a road accident. Below you can see one page of his
notes. Use the information to complete the report he wrote for his newspaper. Do not add any new
information. Do not exceed 175 words.
6.35 p.m.
29/10/2009
Sevoke—10 km from Siliguri
Crash—jeep in ditch
Local bus—high speed—middle of road—jeep braked to
avoid collision—swerved, hit tree and overturned.
Jeep driver (Mahinder Singh, 35 yrs), killed instantly.
3 injured—taken to hospital
ACCIDENT IN SEVOKE: ONE DEAD
Shruti Arora
Sevoke, October 30: A road accident took place yesterday at 6.35 p.m. when a jeep went off
the road into a ditch at Sevoke, 10 km from Siliguri.
According to an eyewitness, the jeep braked in order to avoid collision with a local bus which
was travelling at high speed in the middle of the road. The driver was unable to control the
jeep, which swerved, hit a tree and overturned.
The jeep driver, 35-year-old Mahinder Singh was killed instantly. Three others were injured
and have been taken to hospital.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
18. After reading the story about aliens, dramatize the complete story and feel free to give an
appropriate ending of your choice. Organize yourselves into groups of 5-6 students.
PROJECT
19. Collect reports, findings, and pictures of UFO sightings in different parts of the world. Ensure that
your file is pasted with coloured material so that it looks attractive. Show it to your Teacher and your
classmates.
SECTION D
The Moon Egg
Warming up
Imagine a bird that lives on the Moon. Use your imagination to draw and colour it.
2. Now read the poem about a moon egg that a child found one day.
The Moon Egg
Joan Jones, collecting eggs one day,
Discovered one that newly lay,
Smooth, warm and speckled in the hay.
She had to look and look again,
This was no egg laid by a hen.
It was the largest she had seen,
Pale blue and spotted bright pea-green,
And in the hen house dark it seemed,
Lit up inside, and silver gleamed.
Joan's husband, Frank said, "This must be
An egg a sailor brought by sea
From some strange land, and placed right here.
How else could it have come, my dear?"
They telephoned to ask the Zoo
If any eggy experts knew
About this egg.
They were excited by their call,
"How large? How heavy? Great or small?
Don't move it. We'll be down today.
We'll be along without delay."
The hen house and chicken run
Soon filled with persons, one by one ..........
The eggy experts. soldiers too.
Police. a T.V. camera crew ...
They tapped it. tested it and cried,
"We can't imagine what's inside!"
And as they watched. it cracked and span
And from it sprang a little man.
A shining man who bounced all round
With long. long leaps along the ground.
The hens flew up and squawked with fright
And then. propelled in bright blue light.
The man shot up before their eyes
And disappeared into the skies.
The eggshell crumbled into dust
And left a little patch of rust.
Which was the only thing to show.
A Moon egg hatched on Earth below!
3. Answer the following questions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why did Jean Jones have to look and look again?
How did the egg appear in the dark?
What was Frank's guess about the egg?
What would be eggy experts? What would their job be?
Do we really have eggy experts in the zoo?
What was the reaction of the zoo officials? Do you find anything funny about their
reaction? Discuss It.
7. Why do you think the following came to see the egg:
a) The eggy experts
b) Soldiers
c) Police
d) Camera crew (T.V.)
8. How do you think they tested the egg?
9. Why do you think the experts could not imagine what was inside?
10. Why do you think the man bounced all round?
11.
Why did the hens fly up in fright?
12. Explain: 'propelled in bright blue light'.
13. Why do you think the eggshell left a patch of rust?
14. What evidences are there in the poem to think that it was a Moon egg.
15. What is your opinion about the zoo officials?
16. The Moon Egg is a funny poem. What makes it so funny?
Understanding the poem.
4. Words that convey sound are called onomatopoeia. Find out an onomatopoeic word used
in the poem.
WRITING
5. Continue the poem and say what the eggy experts did with the 'little patch of rust' left
by the Moon egg?
6. Write a paragraph on how the little man from the Moon egg would have looked?
7. Write a humorous poem written by the 'Little man in the Egg'.
SECTION E
Animals in Space
From http://history.nasa.gov/animals.html
Before humans actually went into space, one of the prevailing theories of
the perils of space flight was that humans might not be able to survive long periods of weightlessness. For
several years, there had been a serious debate among scientists about the effects of prolonged
weightlessness. American and Russian scientists utilized animals - mainly monkeys, chimps and dogs - in
order to test each country's ability to launch a living organism into space and bring it back alive and
unharmed.
On June 11, 1948, a V-2 Blossom launched into space carrying Albert I, a rhesus monkey. On June 14, 1949,
a second V-2 flight carrying a live Air Force Aeromedical Laboratory monkey, Albert II, attained an
altitude of 83 miles. The monkey died on impact. On August 31, 1948, another V-2 was launched and
carried an unanaesthetized mouse that was photographed in flight and survived impact. On December 12,
1949, the last V-2 monkey flight was launched at White Sands. Albert IV, a rhesus monkey attached to
monitoring instruments, was the payload. It was a successful flight, with no ill effects on the monkey until
impact, when it died. In May 1950, the last of the five Aeromedical Laboratory V-2 launches (known as the
Albert Series) carried a mouse that was photographed in flight and survived impact.
On September 20, 1951, a monkey named Yorick and 11 mice were recovered after an Aerobee missile
flight of 236,000 feet at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Yorick got a fair amount of press as the
first monkey to live through a space flight.
On May 22, 1952, two Philippine monkeys, Patricia and Mike, were enclosed in an Aerobee nose section at
Holloman Air Force Base. Patricia was placed in a seated position and Mike in a prone position to
determine differences in the effects of rapid acceleration. Fired 36 miles up at a speed of 2000 mph, these
two monkeys were the first primates to reach such a high altitude. Also on this flight were two white mice,
Mildred and Albert. They were inside a slowly rotating drum where they could "float" during the period
of weightlessness. The section containing the animals was recovered safely from the upper atmosphere by
parachute.
Dogs were chosen over monkeys because it was felt that they would be less fidgety in flight. A test with
two dogs would allow far more accurate results.
Between 1951 and 1952, the Soviet R-1 series rockets carried nine dogs altogether, with
three dogs flying twice.
On November 3rd, 1957, Sputnik 2 blasted into Earth orbit with a dog named Laika aboard. Laika was a
small, stray mongrel picked up from the street. She was hastily trained and put aboard in a metal carrier
under the second Sputnik sphere. There was no time to work out any re-entry strategy and Laika expired
after a few hours.
Besides these animals a mouse, squirrel monkey were launched in
order to carry out different experiments.
CLASS DISCUSSION
2. It has been observed that animals are used in the field of research and conducting experiments,
manufacturing and testing of cosmetics, medicines, sending them on unmanned aircrafts to check the
survival rate of human beings to various places etc.
Those who oppose animal experimentation tell of terrible stories about how animals have been
mistreated in some of the laboratories where they were used as experimental subjects - and this has
happened in cases where researchers have behaved in inappropriate ways. The use of animals in
science may not have always been as well-justified or well-executed as today's sensibilities require.
Hold a class debate on the topic: It is ethical to use animals for carrying out various experiments.
You can divide yourselves in two groups- one group expresses opinions FOR the argument while
the other does so AGAINST the topic
You can use the following phrases to help you create an argument for your point of view.
OPINIONS/PREFERENCES
I think ……; in my opinion……..; I’d like to…….; I’d rather …….I’d prefer………;as far as I’m
concerned……;If it were up to me………..; I suppose……………; I’m certain that………….;It is
fairly certain that……; I’m convinced that………….; I honestly feel that…………..; I strongly
believe that…………..; without a doubt……….
DISAGREEING
I don’t believe that……..; don’t you think it would be better…………; I don’t agree, I’d
prefer ……….; shouldn’t we prefer…………;Frankly, I doubt if………..; Let’s face it ; the truth of
the matter is…………
WRITING SKILLS FOCUS
3. Pamphlet Writing
The purpose of a pamphlet is
*
to create awareness
*
to inform
*
to educate
Language:
Language should be
* simple and easy to understand
* clear and concise
* use Imperative sentences
NOTE: Here is a sample pamphlet for you to get going:
DELHI POLICE
REAL CHAMPIONS ALWAYS WEAR HELMETS
Major cause of death in accidents
* Head injury due to faulty helmet or not wearing helmet
Need for wearing helmets
* Protective device
* Reduces extent of head injury
* Mandatory for rider and pillion rider
Safety tips on helmets
* Wear only an ISI stamped helmet
* Wear a helmet that fits your head
* Strap your helmet before you start your vehicle
* Wear a sturdy helmet
WEAR A HELMET AND NOT A BANDAGE ON YOUR
HEAD
ACTIVITY: When we get the morning newspaper, we often see that there are a number of pamphlets
in different colours enclosed in it. Over the weekend collect atleast 5-6 of them and paste in your
notebooks.
As a member of PETA( People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), you are greatly
disturbed about the treatment meted to animals that are used as guinea pigs. Make a
pamphlet in about 50 words to be distributed in your neighbourhood highlighting the
cause.
NAME OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
SLOGAN
What is the problem/issue
What are the causes
i.
ii.
iii.
What are the consequences
*
*
*
What can be done
SLOGAN
4. Imagine you had gone up in space along with Laika. Write about your experience, findings,
excitement, sadness on Laika’s death etc in a paragraph of about 100 words.
Think aloud:
What do you understand by” Sooner or later world governments will have to face up to this
fact…………..”
5. Read the following excerpts carefully
By Roland Stoy
The Daily Reporter
Sometimes the behavior of people is hard to understand. One possible explanation for some of them is
they could be from another planet, where there are different sets of norms and values.
The amusing movie “Men in Black” makes it seems plausible there are aliens from outer space among
us. Interplanetary encounters seem more likely following a report last week of an orbiting NASA
telescope said to have spotted more than 50 potential planets that appear to be habitable.
A Discovery Channel program last year featured scientist Stephen Hawking, who believes
extraterrestrial life exists, and humans should be extremely cautious about interacting with them, or it,
or whatever they are. Hawking said “The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be
like.”He said “If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher
Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t turn out very well for the Native Americans.”
So, what goes around could come around.
“We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we
wouldn’t want to meet,” Hawking speculated. “I imagine they might exist in massive ships, having
used up all the resources from their home planet. Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads,
looking to conquer and colonize whatever planets they can reach.”
Regarding alien encounters, one recalls the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” from 1951. When
Michael Rennie came to Earth to explain that earthlings needed to get a handle on aggression as they
developed technologically and reached out into space, the response was to gun him down. Rennie had
told Patricia Neal to tell Gort: “Klaatu barada nikto,” and he was revived and able to deliver his
message. We were never sure what the actual translation was, but if one encounters an alien one might
try saying “Klaatu barada nikto.”
Just hope translated into a different galactic language, it does not resemble something like “I am of
Earth and you are different from me, therefore I am better than you. Prepare to die.”
Man's mind and spirit grow with the space in which they are allowed to operate. - Krafft A.
Ehricke, rocket pioneer
Neil Alden Armstrong:
Neil Alden Armstrong was born August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Neil is a former American
astronaut, test pilot, university professor, and United States Naval Aviator. He is the first person to set
foot on the Moon. His first spaceflight was aboard Gemini 8 in 1966, for which he was the command
pilot. On this mission, he performed the first manned docking of two spacecraft together with pilot
David Scott. Armstrong's second and last spaceflight was as mission commander of the Apollo 11
moon landing mission on July 20, 1969. On this mission, Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the
lunar surface and spent 2½ hours exploring while Michael Collins remained in orbit in the Command
Module. Armstrong is a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
An excerpt from his biography followed by an interview on his successful mission-Neil Armstrong
was interested in aviation from a young age. At 15 he worked in various jobs in order to pay for his
flying lessons. At 16 he got his student pilot's licence before he was legally old enough to drive a car
and before he graduated from Blume High School in Wapakoneta in 1947.
Immediately after high school, Neil Armstrong received a scholarship from the U.S. Navy. He enrolled
at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and began his studies of aeronautical engineering, but
in 1949 the Navy called him to active duty.
In 1950 he was sent to Korea and served as a naval pilot during the Korean War. He flew 78 combat
missions from USS Essex in a Grumman F9F-2 Panther. He received three medals: the Air Medal and
two Gold Stars for his military service during the Korean War.
After the war, he left the Navy and returned to Purdue in 1952 and graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
In 1966, Neil Armstrong was assigned as command pilot for the Gemini 8. Gemini 8 mission was
launched on March 16, 1966 and achieved the first docking of two orbiting spacecraft. His first space
flight was nearly a disaster. He was in the first US emergency in space with his partner David Scott
when their spacecraft spun wildly out of control. They returned to Earth safely.
He was the backup command pilot for the Gemini 11 mission in 1966 and the commander of the
backup crew for the Apollo 8 lunar orbital mission in 1968 using Apollo Spacecraft.
In 1968, Neil Armstrong was chosen to be a member of the Apollo 11 mission, the first manned lunar
landing. The Apollo 11 crew were: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin
6. Listen to the interview of Neil Armstrong on the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtdcdxvNI1o
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1722270428583799532#
Also listen to the first Indian who went into space, Rakesh Sharma talk with the late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira
Gandhi after he landed on moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBsAXtT02v0
Time to ponder:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Why landing on the moon was more challenging than walking on its surface?
What kind of training did he undergo?
What is space tourism?
How has technology changed in the recent years?
What do you understand by the term ‘cold war’?
Do you think Armstrong’s journey to the moon motivated others? If yes, how? Cite examples.
CLASS ACTIVITY:
ROLE PLAY
Imagine you are a TV reporter from The Times. You have been asked to interview Rakesh Sharma ,
the first Indian to go into space. With your partner, prepare a list of do’s and don’ts for an effective
interview. Good interviews are planned, they don’t just happen. Brainstorm a short list of things you
would like to ask
Following are some guidelines:
*
Ask questions pertaining to
development of interests-at what age
*
Breakthrough
*
Career –support given
*
Training taken
*
First difficulty faced
*
Feeling of elation
*
Final comeback etc.
Listen to the press conference held by Neil Armstrong on the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Bflb3OqOTg
Now along with your partner conduct a role play.
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or
serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. Given below are some pictures of famous astronauts. Identify
them. You could also take help from the internet. After finding their correct names, download pictures
of other astronauts and make a collage in your notebook.
_________________
_________________
________________
___________________
____________________
_____________________
SUGESSTED READING/VIEWING:
Rakesh Sharma's Message from Space to Indira Gandhi on youtube
http://urbantitan.com/10-most amazing-info-stories
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjL8WXjlGI
http://kidsmsfc.nasa.gov/
*
Mission to Mars
*
Forbidden Planet
*
*
*
*
*
*
Deep Impact
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek : The Voyage Home
Star Trek: The Final Frontier
Star Trek : The Undiscovered Country
http://www.youtube.com/show/st
artrek
*
www.hyper.net/ufo/videodocumentaries.html
*
www.mademan.com/mm/10-bestufo-documentaries.html www.alien-ufos.com ›
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
*
*
=Y8I16m1jJGA&feature
*
*
*
Documentary
on
The
Space
Shuttle By Scott Hicks(Writer &Director)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjL8WXjlGI
Space Adventure: Astronauts /
Spacecraft / The Moon / The Planets (Learn & Carry) (Paperback-Publisher-Soundprints