MISSION: SPACE!

 
 
 

Introduction         Questions          Internet Resources           Big Question

Introduction It is a part of human nature to better oneself.  As a result, mankind is in a continuous race against time.  Space exploration is evidence of this race to become technologically superior than expected.  However, what once started as a one man event has become a global challenge with the United States as a primary player.  During the past century, space exploration has advanced dramatically, but where will it bring us in the future?  Are we as a society really gaining from space exploration programs?  As you research the evolution of the space program, your purpose today is to predict future space missions.  Be prepared to defend your proposal by describing the mission's contribution to society and the impact it will have on the economy and global relations.

Questions Directions: Respond to the following questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper. 1. Describe some of the NASA programs that allow space exploration? 2. What are some of the benefits of space exploration? 3. Describe some of the events that might have influenced the creation of NASA. 4. What is the role of the United Space Alliance? 5. How did the Apollo 1, STS-51-L Challenger, and STS-107 Columbia missions fail? 6. What is an argument FOR and AGAINST humans in space? 7. What was the "space challenge" President John F Kennedy referred to in his speech at Rice University? 8. What current ongoing space program is a global partnership? 9. Describe the goals of exploring Mars. 10. Describe the goals of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. 11. What were the first international cooperative missions to space? 12. Why is the space shuttle program economically beneficial?  (How does it save money?) 13. What are the "new visions for space exploration" presented in January 2004 by President George Bush?

Internet Resources Directions: Use the following internet resources to assist your reponse to the above questions and support your prediction of future missions to space.  City in Space: A CNN.com report of the International Space Station The View from Space: of Mars and Men: A CNN.com report March 11, 1998 ESA Human Space Flight: the latest updates from the European Space Agency regarding the International Space Station History of Space Exploration: a NASA site providing lots of background history Humans in Space: excellent information on the evolution of the space program Imagine Mars: a NASA site focusing on the exploration and colonization of Mars John F Kennedy and The Space Challenge Speech- Sept 13 1962: Rice University New Visions for Space Exploration: The January 2004 release from the White House PlanetQuest: a NASA site focusing on the search for another Earth Benefits of Space Exploration: a NASA solutions website that informs you, the consumer, what space exploration has done for you NASA Spaceflight: an informative site addressing past, present and future missions to space; check out the "history" section Starchild: a NASA site geared for students; full of facts, history, activities and extra links The Solar System: a NASA site focusing on exploration of the solar system United Space Alliance: up-to-date information regarding space programs The Why Files: Manned Space Flights: addresses the question of humans versus robots The Why Files: Space Travel: addresses the question if space travel is truly safe Additional Internet Sources Keep yourself informed with the latest news of space.  These sources may help better develop your "Big Question".  NASA Homepage: full of great information and links to the past, present and future of space CNN.com Science and Space: get the latest news and information in science and technology Discovery Channel's Mission to Mars: the Discovery Channel presents a special report of the ongoing mission to the Red Planet Imagine the Universe: a NASA site for kids ages 14 and up; lots of information and activites The Space Shuttle: a United Space Alliance site promoting the space shuttle program

Big Question By now, you should have a good idea about the path space exploration is following.  How have the goals of space exploration evolved over the past century?   What future missions to space do you predict will result from the space programs?  Prepare a 3-5 minute proposal that describes the contribution of your predicted space program to society including its impact on the economy and global relations.  Use the information learned from this treasure hunt to provide additional evidence in support of your space program.  Reflect on past and present constraints on the space program to illustrate how your proposed program will overcome these roadblocks. Prepare to defend your program to the class during a roundtable discussion.

Curriculum Standards                       Assessment Rubric