To engage the students in the unit, they were first introduced to the International Space Station using a PowerPoint presentation.  The students learned details of the station, including its history and purpose.  Students then worked in groups to brainstorm and compose lists of their morning routines.  Each group shared items on their list and the instructor composed a combined list on newsprint for display.  The students next watched a video of astronaut Suni Williams giving a tour of the ISS.  After watching the video, the groups discussed how their morning routines were similar and different to those on the station.  Again, each group reported items from their list, and the teacher composed a class list on newsprint.  A class discussion was held and students came to the conclusion that life on the International Space Station is both similar and different to life on Earth, e. g., life on the ISS needs to be much more planned than it is on Earth.   Next, the teacher guided the students to help them realize mathematics can be used to plan missions to the ISS.  Lastly, the teacher informed the students that they will be exploring linear functions in order to prepare the planning of a mission to the International Space Station.