Mission Training

Astronaut Training

Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to describe key components of astronaut training and understand the importance of each training aspect in preparing astronauts for their missions.

Materials Needed:

• Computer with internet access

• Projector or smartboard

• Video clips of astronauts in training (can be sourced from NASA’s website or YouTube)

• Chart paper or whiteboard markers

• Copies of astronaut training fact sheets (created from research)

Duration: 45 minutes

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Engage: Begin with a question: “How many of you would like to travel to space?” Wait for raised hands. Then ask, “What do you think it takes to become prepared for a space journey?”

• Video Clip: Show a 2-3 minute video clip of astronauts in training.

  1. From 00:40 Space Scientist Training

  2. From 01:01 Astronaut Training

  3. From 01:19 What do astronauts learn during their training?

  4. From 01:35 What are the scientific techniques astronauts learn?

  5. From 02:55 The Combustion Package on the International Space Station

  6. From 04:52 Astronaut Support Teams

• Discuss: Ask students what they observed in the video and what they think each type of training is for.

Body (25 minutes):

• Astronaut Training Categories (15 minutes):
  a. Physical Training: Discuss the importance of being physically fit for space. Explain how weightlessness affects muscles and bones, necessitating physical training. Describe the different exercises astronauts perform.
  b. Mental Training: Discuss the psychological challenges of being in space – isolation, being away from family, dealing with emergencies. Mention techniques astronauts use, like stress-relief exercises and simulated mission experiences.
  c. Technical Training: Talk about the vast amount of technical knowledge astronauts need to have, from how the spacecraft works, to conducting experiments in space.
  d. Simulation and Mock Missions: Describe how astronauts rehearse for their actual space missions in realistic settings, like underwater or in flight simulators.
  e. Emergency Training: Explain how astronauts are trained to handle emergencies in space – from fires to equipment malfunction.

• Group Activity (10 minutes): Divide students into groups and give each group a fact sheet on one aspect of astronaut training. Ask each group to read and then present the key points to the class.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Quiz Game: Prepare a quick quiz with multiple choice or true/false questions about the training categories discussed. For example:

  • "True or False: Astronauts need to know how to fix every piece of equipment on the spacecraft."

  • "Which type of training prepares astronauts for weightlessness in space? a) Mental b) Technical c) Physical."

• Summarize: Emphasize the importance of thorough training for the safety and success of space missions.

Homework/Extended Activity:

• Research Assignment: Ask students to research one famous astronaut (e.g., Neil Armstrong, Chris Hadfield, Mae Jemison, etc.) and write a brief report on their training and what made them stand out.

• Virtual Tours: Direct students to online platforms where they can take virtual tours of astronaut training facilities, or where they can find interviews of astronauts discussing their training experiences.

Assessment:

• Group presentations will gauge understanding of the different types of astronaut training.

• Participation in the quiz game will help assess individual comprehension.

• Homework assignments will further consolidate students' understanding and provide a deeper dive into the life and training of real astronauts.

Remember to adapt the lesson according to the needs and levels of your students, ensuring everyone is engaged and learning effectively!