Student Spaceflight Experiment Program
Follow our progress as students compete to design an experiment that could take place on the International Space Station in June 2019!
INB Pages and Process:
Below are pictures of pages from our Interactive Notebooks that relate to the SSEP Experimental Design Process. Some are still in progress so they may look blank - they will be filled in as we go.
Page 12 & 13: Introduction and Driving Question
First students were introduced to the idea of the International Space Station and its purpose. Students were shown some short video clips of David Saint-Jacques (our next Canadian astronaut to travel to the ISS) and what happens on the station.
We then introduced our Driving Question for the SSEP. Students were asked to write down what they needed to know/learn to answer the question and what we would need to know how to do to design a fair experiment.
Page 14 & 15: Scientific Procedures & Brainstorming
Students identified being able to write a scientific procedure as something they would need to know how to do in order to design a sound experiment. We practiced by writing instructions for making a jam sandwich... and then we followed those directions and made them!
Students were given the link to previous proposals that had been submitted to the SSEP and were asked to find up to 3 experiments they found interesting, summarize them and then start brainstorming their own experiments.
Page 16 & 17: Accuracy and Precision of Measurement
To determine the importance of proper measurement of results, students participated in an activity where they were asked to measure the perimeter of the star given in their notes. The catch? They could only use the ruler I provided (see pics below)
Proposal Planning Phase - Science and Language Arts:
Thankfully we have a very collaborative culture at Michael Strembitsky School. Students were able to work in both Science and Language Arts on different aspects of their proposals. In science, we focused on the experimental design, variables, how to measure and analyse their results. In ELA, students worked to vet resources, cite their sources and find primary source material. In both classes students were provided multiple feedback, editing and revision opportunities using Google docs.
Designing a Testable Question - the Paper Towel Mini-Experiment:
In order to give students an opportunity to develop testable scientific questions, each group was given a paper towel and told to design a simple experiment that could be carried out in just a few minutes in class. Feedback was given on both their question and their experiment in order to help them apply this learning to their SSEP experimental proposals.
Meeting with our Mentor - Dr. Joanne Lemieux
During the first week of October we were happy to welcome Dr. Joanne Lemieux, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, to our school. She was able to come in and speak briefly to each class about her work and about how she could help them. Dr. Lemieux tried to visit with each group and give them advice about how to proceed with their proposals. Dr. Lemieux was also instrumental in helping our finalist groups gather additional information before we submitted to our step 1 review board.
Experiment Practice with our "mini Labs":
In order to prepare students for any concerns that could develop with their procedure in the mini-labs, each group was given our version of their lab type and were asked to load and carry out the experiment to the best of their abilities. They used this information to make adjustments to their proposal procedures.
Proposal Showcase:
What a great day! In order to make sure all students had a chance to share their incredible ideas, we held a mini-showcase that was open to the public. Students displayed their work and described their experiments to parents, teachers, students and other community members including media representatives. It was so wonderful to see them articulate what they had been working so hard on.
Proposal Selection for Step 1 Review Board:
A committee of 6 teachers and administrators used an evaluation rubric based on SSEP's own criteria to select 3 proposals to move forward to EPSB's Step 1 Review Board. The proposals selected were:
Effectiveness and SPF of Sunscreen After Being in Space
What is The Effect of Microgravity on Popcorn Kernels?
How does Microgravity Affect Soil Efficiency and Germination of Spinach?
Students from these groups were given time for additional editing and revising before they were submitted to the Board. What was particularly impressive was how students wanted to use the feedback they'd received from the showcase to make changes and additions to their proposals.
Step 1 Review Board Announcement:
We are thrilled to announce that Effectiveness and SPF of Sunscreen After Being in Space was selected as one of EPSB's finalist proposals to move forward to the SSEP and NASA. We will find out which proposal will be selected for spaceflight mid-December.
We were also pleased to say that How does Microgravity Affect Soil Efficiency and Germination of Spinach? was identified as an honorable mention by our Step 1 Review Board.