Mission 'Space Construction':

Using provided websites, space crews will search for information about the nine planets in our solar system. This new knowledge will lead you space cadets to answer the essential question of this space mission. You must then design and create a livable habitat and plan your transportation and living arrangement for life on this distant planet. Plan carefully...will your space settlement thrive? Will it even survive?

Mission Plans:

Mission #1

As a group, read the book "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System," by Joanna Cole. This book will provide the training needed to begin this mission.           

Do you accept this mission?

Mission #2

Each space crew will include four space cadets, and each cadet will have a personal challenge to meet. Choose roles wisely and complete each challenge.

• Astronomer-The Astronomer is responsible for getting this mission off the gound.This dependable individual will lead the entire crew in finding information in the story and on the websites about the planets in our solar system. The Astronomer must decide what information is important and record the following about each on the nine planets in a chart...
  • temperature
  • diameter
  • distance from Earth
  • distance from Sun
  • availability of water
  • presence of lifeforms
  • makeup of surface
  • atmosphere
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After finding each necessary piece of information, the astronomer will send this information to the rest of the crew, so that they may begin working on their own challenges.

 

• Space Station Engineer-The Space Station Engineer is responsible for designing a livable habitat for human beings.  The engineer must create an envirnoment with suitable...
  • oxygen
  • temperature
  • food and water
  • shelter 
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The Space Station Engineer will take the current atmosphere and show the necessary adjustments for human surivival.           

       

• Space Navigator- The Space Navigator will be responsible for designing the transport vehicle.  Make sure the ship is sturdy and can hold passengers. Will you need cargo ships?  You will also be responsibe for laying out the flight plan--don't run into any planets! Make a map for you and the other crew members to follow. 

• NASA Reporter-The NASA Reporter will be responsible for reporting the space cadets' mission. The Reporter will interview the Astronomer, Space Station Engineer, and the Space Navigator and write a News article.

Do you accept these missions?

Mission #3

Way to go space cadets...you've come a long way! Don't relax now...the excitement is far from over. Now that you are knowledgable about the planets in our solar system, have a design for a livable habitat, and have transportation plans, you will put this knowledge to practice. You will construct a diorama to display your space habitat. Be creative and don't forget to use what you've learned so far. Also, remember the 'how' component of the essential question..."how will you live on this planet."

You will present your project to the other space teams...displaying your diorama, space craft, planet fact chart, and your NASA report. Remember, you will not be presenting as students, but as space cadets. Present your projects creatively...because NASA will be watching!

Do you accept this final mission?

Mission Accomplished!!!

Wow space cadets...you are absolutely amazing! Your intelligence and talent have exceeded NASA's expectations. You are knowledgable about the planets in your solar system, and you are experts in the study of a  planet...the one in which you will live. You know exactly why this planet should be your home!