Space Project
Mission:
You have been chosen to be a lobbyist for the Canadian Space Agency. Your
mission is to give an 8-10 minute presentation to the Canadian Government
and private companies, convincing them to invest in our space programs. You
have the choice of working with 1 co-worker or on your own. You will be
most successful if your presentation is new, inventive and interesting.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Your boss has given you a deadline to
complete this project so here is a helpful checklist to get you started:
1. Choose a topic from the list provided.
2. Research your chosen area and become an expert.
 You must refer to at least 3 different sources. You can use books,
videos, magazines, information boards, the internet, etc…
 You must turn in a graphic organizer (SQ3R) bibliography to your
boss prior to your presentation.
 There are written resources provided as well.
3. Produce a creative product, which highlights your understanding of your
specialty.
 What would impress your audience and get them to invest in the
space programs? You could use the 3D printer, robotics, or build
from your own materials (no store bought kits)
4. Find an interesting and creative way to present your product in 8-10
minutes.
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This is the only chance for you to impress and educate the
government/company on your specialty. Make sure you share all
pertinent information (ie: science, technology and/or society
impacts) and are memorable. You could present live, use imovie,
tellegami, the green screen, etc.
Make sure to incorporate design criteria for making your visuals
aesthetically pleasing and effective communication skills to make
your presentation interesting.
Be prepared to answer questions about your topic after you present.
You must include a mini assessment after your presentation to see
how well the students understood the concepts.
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Project Choices
A. Legends and Lore
Ever since the beginning of recorded history there has been reference to
space. The sun played a prominent role in mythology of many ancient
cultures. Canadian history and literature is alive with many Aboriginal, First
Nations, and Inuit legends of the night sky. The Iroquois and Huron
legends of the Pleiades, the Iroquois legend of the North Star, the Pacific
Coast people’s legend of Sketco the Blackfoot legend of Scarface and
Morning Star, and the Inuit legend of the brother and sister who became
the Moon and Sun are examples.
The Challenge
How did ancient cultures, including Aboriginals, describe objects in space
and how does this compare to beliefs?
Identify different ideas about the nature of Earth and space, based on
culture and science. Describe how at least 3 different cultures, myths,
folklore and legends describe the ancient views of the cosmos. Create your
own modern day legend that reflects some of the recent discoveries in
space. Make sure to illustrate it with pictures that reflect the concepts.
Key Science Concepts:: Describe why understanding the winter and summer
solstice and the autumnal and vernal equinox were important. Describe the
difference between the geocentric and heliocentric model of how planets
move in space evolved over time.
Textbook; SIA 1.1 – 371, 372
SF 356 – 358
B. Symphony of the Planets
Let space inspire you to become an artist. One such artist was
Gustav Holst, a composer who’s “Symphony of the Planets” (1918) was a
musical interpretation of the character of the planets in our solar system.
Pluto was not included in Holst’s work because it was not discovered until
1930.
The Challenge:
1. Describe how you think Holst’s music relates to the
characteristics of the planets.
2. Listen to other space themed music (from films and shows on
space). Play some of the music for your audience and explain why you
think it was written the way it was.
3. Create your own musical interpretation of a (n) object (s) in space
and build a multimedia visual interpretation to accompany your music so
that they can be seen and heard simultaneously. (Garage band?)
Key Science concepts: Describe the various celestial bodies in our solar
system including: planets, moons, the sun, comets, meteors, metiorites,
meteoroids. What is the difference between terrestrial and Jovian
planets?
Text: SIA 392- 397
SF 410 - 419
C. Space Tourism
Compete against the world’s best and win your spot on the next space
shuttle! Describe the technologies for space transport and interpret the
scientific principles involved. Create your own company that would sell
commercial space travel. Design a realistic; technologically sound
spacecraft to transport your passengers. You could create an
advertisement (commercial or brochure for example) to sell flights on your
spacecraft.
Funded by the Ansari family, the Ansari XPRIZE challenged teams from
around the world to build a reliable, reusable, privately financed, manned
spaceship capable of carrying three people to 100 km above the Earth’s
surface twice within two weeks. The 10 million dollar prize was awarded in
2004 to the group led by Richard Branson (Virgin) with their
“SpaceShipOne, test piloted by Brian Binnie” and a brand new private space
industry was launched. Until now Space Tourism means very very rich
people paying very large sums of money to ride Russian rockets on relatively
short trips to the International SpaceStation (ISS). The last man to take
such a voyage was Guy Laliberté, Canadian founder of Cirque de Soleil, in
September 2009. Space Adventures, the firm that ran this service, has not
launched a customer since then.
Virgin Galactic is “the world’s first commercial spaceline.” Create
your own company that would sell commercial space travel.
The Challenge:
1. Research more about the X prize contest – Who put it on? Who
participated? How were the aircrafts designed? etc.
2. Research more about all the individuals who have travelled to space
because of space tourism. Who were they? Why did they go? How
did they prepare themselves? How much did it cost? What kind of
work is currently being done in the race to commercialize space
travel?
3. Design your own company that would sell space travel. Try to assess
how much the space travel would cost you and how much you would
have to charge the travelers. Design your own space tourism air
craft. Design an advertising brochure that would encourage people
to travel on your spacecraft.
4. A helpful website: www.cnn.com; http://www.spacefuture.com/
Key Science concepts: Analyze the space environment and identify
challenges that must be met in developing life support systems. What
needs to be considered in transporting living beings into space? What costs
– financial and other are there?
D. Surviving in Space
Astronauts are able to live for longer periods of time in space thanks to
the space station's design engineers. They have provided astronauts a
haven in a very hostile environment. A shipment of much-needed groceries
and supplies has been sent to the crew currently orbiting Earth on the
International Space Station (ISS). This is the first shipment sent in
months, and if it arrives safe and sound on Wednesday it will be the first
successful shipment from the U.S. since the spring.
The Challenge
What happens to your waste in space? Where does it go? Analyze space
environments and identify challenges that must be met in developing lifesupporting systems. Describe the issues with surviving in space and how the
ISS is designed to meet the needs of the people on it. What additional
considerations would be needed for humans to live on Mars or the Moon?
What is the role of the ISS? Design your own space station including
everything that would be needed for survival, including space walks.
Key Science concepts: Analyze space environments and identify
challenges that must be met in developing life-supporting systems
(implications of variations in gravity, temperature, availability of water,
atmospheric pressure and atmospheric composition). Describe the
technologies for life- support systems, and interpret the scientific
principles on which they are baed )recycling of water and air)
Text: SIA – 418 – 323
SF 420 – 428
E. The Space Race
After the Second World War, the Americans and Russians began competing
in what is often referred to as the “Space Race.” Both countries claimed
victory. Ex: In the late 1960s a good chunk of the world’s brightest minds
and fanciest labs were devoted to one thing: space exploration. When
NASA’s funding peaked in 1966 the organisation employed 400,000
people and consumed more than 4% of the US federal budget. Three years
later, after less than a decade of serious investment, man was on the moon.
The Challenge
Create an illustrated timeline of some of the major events in The
Space Race. Who “owns” space? Identify the issues and opportunities
associated with space exploration. You should describe the political,
environmental and ethical issues related to the ownership and use of
resources in space.
Key Science Concepts: What were the main advances made in space
exploration during the Space Race?
F. Space Exploration and Society
Is the cost of space exploration worth the benefits? You are a
representative of the Canadian Space Agency and your job is to design a
marketing presentation to companies to get them to invest in space
exploration. Try to “sell” the companies executives by describing some of
the technologies that have come from the many technological advances that
have come from space exploration.
The Challenge
Research some of of the pros and cons of human investment in space
endevaours? Describe how they impact us? EX: Great Scott! Is what
scientists at the Tsinghua University in Beijing probably exclaimed when
they wrote their latest paper. Their research shows how an Earth-orbiting
spacecraft could make use of the growing abundance of space debris by
actually using the junk as propellant, or fuel – just like the DeLorean did in
"Back To The Future." What are some of the space tools that are now used
in society and how have they impacted society?
What are the Political, Ethical and Environmental Issues involved in space
Exploration?
Political – who owns space? Who has the right to use the resources
in space: who will determine how space will be used:
Ethical – is it right to spend money on space exploration rather than
on solving problems on Earth? do we have a right to alter materials in
space to meet our needs; How can we ensure that space resources will be
used for the good of humans and not to further the interests of only one
nation or group? What are some of the disasters/failures of space travel?
Environmental – Who is responsible for protecting space
environments from alteration? Who is responsible for cleaning up space
junk, and who should pay for doing it?
1. Create a debate that reflects whether we should be increasing
our investment in space.
Key Science concepts: Identify issues and opportunities arising from the
application of space technology, identify alternatives involved, and analyze
implications.
Recognize risks and dangers associated with space exploration (space
junk, fuel expenditure, satellites, burning up in the atmosphere, solar
rariation ).
Identify and analyze factors that are important to decisions regarding
space exploration and development (examples of costs, and potential
benefits that may be considered)
Text SIA – 464 – 467 SF 420 – 429
G. Mission to Mars
Almost a quarter of a million humans had the guts to apply, and now,
two years on, the names of 100 hopeful space explorers who are still in the
running for a one-way ticket to Mars have just been named for the Mars
One Mission.
The Challenge
1. Describe what you believe the experience would be if you were
selected – socially, emotionally, physically.
2. Imagine you are on the first mission to Mars, explain how the
mission would work through a diary of your experiences.
3. Government – If one day it is possible for a group of individuals to
colonize Mares, they would need a government that has the authority to
make and enforce rules, laws and regulations.
What kind of government would be best suited for the Mars
colony (Democratic, Aristocratic, Socialist, Absolutist, Communist…?).
1. How will you organize a space colony? What kind of buildings,
technology, and government will you need?
2. The location of your community on Mars and the reason(s) you
selected it.
3. Summarize how the priorities in your community design addressed
societal challenges and human needs, including sustainability, cultural,
and other factors.
4. Explain how your community model provides scientific and
technological solutions to meet human needs given environmental
constraints (the extreme environment of Mars):
• Temperature
• Radiation
• Lack of oxygen
• Reduced Atmospheric pressure
• Dust
• Gravity
• Water
• Food
• Other ideas (sports, music, education, etc.)
5. Conclusion
5. Construct a miniature 3D model to simulate a Mars settlement in the
future. Make sure to consider all aspects of life support. Include
the design/blueprint, scientific principles incorporated, construction
details and any troubleshooting you had to do.
H Telescopes
The James Webb Space Telescope is planned to be ready in 2018. It is the
successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and will be able to look farther
than its predecessor. It will be capable of observing the first stars in the
universe as well as detecting the atmosphere and potential traces of life
on exoplanets.
The Challenge
1. Complete the Reflecting and Refracting Telescope Activities on
Learn Alberta.
2. Create an illustrated timeline of the history of the major different
types of telescopes (optical – refracting and reflecting, radio – X
ray, gamma ray, space – reflector). Include some of the precursors
to the early telescope (Quadrant, Astrolabe, Sextent, Merket, and
Cross-staff). Describe how they work.
3. What is interferometry? An array? How do they work? What are
some of their major discoveries? What are the plans for the future
of telescopes?
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/telescopesB.htm
Key Science Concepts: Explain , in general terms, the operation of optical
telescopes, radio and space telescopes.
Text SIA 435 – 445 SF 385 – 392
I Spacecraft Challenge (A, B, or C)
What are some of the spacecraft that have been sent to other planets
over the last 50 years? Describe how the different technologies
associated with space exploration and what they have discovered. Choose
EITHER A) Rockets, B) Space Probes, or C) Rovers.
A
Today, rockets routinely take astronauts into space, launch satellites and
do tests in the upper atmosphere. But it's really only been in the past 70
years or so that these machines have been used for applications leading to
space exploration.
The principles of rocketry were tested out more than 2,000 years ago, and
it was a long road through military and other applications before people
were launched on these machines. Describe the 3 main parts of a rocket –
payload, mechanical and structural and fuels. What are the different types
of fuels. How else can rockets be propelled?
Rockets: V2 , Sputnik, Saturn V, Antares (failed)
B
Space probes are space vehicles that carry sophisticated instrumentation
but no crew. They are designed to explore various aspects of the solar
system. The Japanese Akatsuki spacecraft is now successfully orbiting the
planet Venus, exactly five years after its first attempt at doing so. When
it reached the planet on December 7, 2010, a malfunction to the main
engine sent the probe hurling into space away from Venus. Explain how
they work the main missions.
Examples: Sputnik, Pioneer, Voyager, Cassini-Huygens, Venus Express,
Akatsuki
C
Rovers: (orbiters, landers and rovers) NASA’s twin robot geologists, the
Mars Exploration Rovers, launched toward Mars on June 10 and July 7
2003, in search of answers about the history of water on Mars. They
landed on Mars on Jan 3 and Jan 24, 2004. What did they find? Describe
how they work and the main missions. Examples: Apollo Lunar Rover, Viking
Rovers, Curiosity Rover
1. Investigate at least 3 of the spacecraft that have been sent to
other planets over the last 40 years. Tell your audience about these
missions. What was their purpose? What did they find? Explain how
the spacecraft works.
2. Decide on a mission to go to some destination in the Solar System.
What would the objectives of the mission be?
3. Research what you would expect to find.
4. Design and create a model of a spacecraft (Rocket, Space probe,
Rover) that would be able to travel to a chosen destination.
5. Your presentation should emulate a pitch to the “Dragon’s Den”
6. You must hand in a engineering journal that includes the following
items: blueprint of your spacecraft (the blueprint must be labeled
and you must explain the function of each of the components of your
spacecraft); scientific principles used to make your spacecraft and
help it fly; any construction material you used throughout the
process; and any troubleshooting you had to do.
7. Please include at least 4 photos of the building process.
8. Do not use commercial robotics kits. Some helpful websites:
www.physorg.com; http://science.nasa.gov
Key Science Concepts: Describe the technologies for space transport, and
interpret the scientific principles involved.
Text SIA 408 – 417
SF 420 - 426
J. Satellites
There have been many technological advances that have come from
space exploration. Identify materials and processes developed to meet
needs in space and identify the related applications (e.g. medicines, remote
sensing, microelectronics, polymers, medical imaging, wireless
communication technologies, synthesis of fuels, etc). Describe the
development of artificial satellites and explain the major purposes for
which they are used (e.g. communication, GPS, weather observation, etc.)
A satellite is an object that moves around a larger object. Earth is a
satellite because it moves around the sun. The moon is a satellite because it
moves around Earth. Earth and the moon are called "natural" satellites. But
usually when someone says "satellite," they are talking about a "man-made"
satellite. Man-made satellites are machines made by people. These
machines are launched into space and orbit Earth or another body in space.
There are thousands of man-made satellites. Some take pictures of our
planet. Some take pictures of other planets, the sun and other objects.
These pictures help scientists learn about Earth, the solar system and the
universe. Other satellites send TV signals and phone calls around the world.
The Challenge
How do satellites work (Geosynchronous, geostationary)? What are
their roles? Why are they important?
1. Complete the Satellite Meteorology Learning Module
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/index.html
Key Science Concepts:
Describe the development of artificial satellites and explain the
major purposes for which they are used (e.g. communication, GPS, weather
observation – remote sensing, etc.)
Describe and interpret, in general terms, the technologies used in
global positioning systems and in remote sensing (use triangulation to
determine the position of an object, given information on the distance from
three different points).
http://library.ssec.wisc.edu/timeline/
Text – SIA – 427 – 433 SF 399 - 408
K. Are we alone?
www.nasa.gov
Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future
of life in the universe: extraterrestrial life and life on Earth. What are
some of the most recent findings in looking at potential extraterrestrial
life? What do you think the chances of life are on other
planets/exoplanets?
How have the future, or extraterrestrial life been portrayed in Science
Fiction such as “War of the Worlds”, “V”, “Alien”, “Planet 51”, The Martian
etc… Imagine two nearby exoplanets orbiting the same sun, each with its
own indigenous civilization. They’re going through history either as
companionable neighbours or deadly rivals. This is a familiar situation in
science fiction, but could it ever happen?
1. Describe the findings of some of the current research about possible
extra-terrestrial life, including the SETI project.
2. Product: Create your own Science Fiction story or movie (submit script)
that reflects what life might be like on other planets or the future of
mankind.
L. A Star is Born
Since we cannot watch a star evolve through its entire lifetime,
astronomers use their knowledge of a star’s behaviour at various stages if
its life to piece together a picture of the star’s entire life. The most
important factor in how a star evolves and eventually dies is it’s initial mass.
1. Research and provide a multi-media presentation or a webpage, to
compare the life cycles of a Massive Star AND a Main Sequence
(sun-like star) at different stages of it’s life cycle. Incorporate
pictures (and music?) into your presentation.
2. Describe and explain the apparent motion of celestial bodies.
The light that we see with our eyes – (visible light) represents onl a
small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. NASA’s Astronomical
Search for Origins program uses innovative technologies to observe the
universe at a variety of wavelengths in the search from where we come
from.
3. Watch Discovery Channel’s Stargazers video and the COSMOS
series, Read Bill Bryson’s, How to build a Universe and the the Star
Spectra activity on Learnalberta.
3. Describe the big bang (and other) theories on the origin and
evolution of the universe.
4. How do we know what we know? What technologies have been used?
5. A helpful website:
http://www.astro.keele.ac.uk/workx/starlife/StarpageS_26M.html
Key Science Concept: The life cycle of a sun-like star and massive star.
What are the characteristics of each stage. How have technologies helped
in our understanding of the theories of the origin of the universe.
Text SIA – 384 – 391
SF
M. Astronomers as Explorers
Astronomers throughout history have made some very important
discoveries about how our universe started, what it’s made of, and what our
future might be.
The Challenge:
1. Choose four or more astronomers that catches your interest to
research:
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Galileo
Kepler
Halley
Copernicus
Brahe
Newton
Newcomb
Hubble
Cassini
Huygens
Choose your own
2. Design a pamphlet providing a summary of the astronauts
accomplishments in astronomy and space exploration as well as other
interesting facts about each of them. Include pictures to enhance
your presentation.
3. Design a talk show where you are interviewing the scientist as your
guest.
A helpful website
http://www.astronomy-for-kids-online.com/famous-astronomer.html
N. Canada in Space, EH?
A) Canadian contributions
Canada has made significant contributions to the space program.
Beginning in the early 1800’s until now, many Canadian accomplishments have
broadened the base of knowledge and supported the technological
advancements of space travel and exploration. Keeping track of the past
efforts of distinguished Canadians is an important part of being proud to
be Canadian.
The Challenge
1. Research the history of Canada in space form the early 1900’s to
the present.
2. Describe Canadian contributions to space research and
development and to the astronaut program by creating an
illustrated timeline of the major events.
AND B) When I grow up, I wanna be an astronaut
Millions of dollars are spent to train people for the astronaut program
and to send a few of them into space. Added to that large financial cost
are the thousands of hours of work put in by hundreds of support personnel
(researchers, technicians, engineers, physiologists and others). Research
the Canadian space program and create a recruiting pamphlet or brochure
to illustrate your research on it.
6. Research what kind of special education, skills and experience would
be required to become an astronaut.
7. Research the biographies of 2 Canadian astronauts of your choosing.
Make a note of any patterns or similarities you notice in their
backgrounds.
8. Make an application in the form of a business letter to the Canada
Space Agency to be Canada’s next astronaut. Make sure to show
your understanding of the program and your area of interest.
9. Describe the space missions of the Canadian astronaut Chris
Hadfield. What did he need to do to prepare, what will his living
conditions be like, what are his roles in the mission, etc?
http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/csa_sectors/human_pre/cao/faq.asp#1
www.space.gc.ca;
http://www.canadainspace.ca/timeline.php?sectionName=timelinewww.scien
cetechnomuses.ca
Key science concepts: describe Canadian contributions to space research
and development and to the astronaut program. Who are some key people
involved and key technologies (Canadarm). Text: SIA 460 – 464
SF