Microgravity: A Teacher’s Guide

Microgravity A Teacher’s Guide With Activities in Science, Mathematics, and Technology

https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/62474main_Microgravity_Teachers_Guide.pdf


This publication was developed for the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration with the
assistance of the many educators of the
Aerospace Education Services Program,
Oklahoma State University.
Writers:
Melissa J. B. Rogers, MS
TAL-CUT Company
NASA Lewis Research Center
Cleveland, OH

Gregory L. Vogt, Ed-D.
Teaching From Space Program
NASA Johnson Space Center
Houston, TX

Michael J. Wargo, Sc.D.
Microgravity Research Division
NASA Headquarters
Washington, DC




As opportunities for extended space flight have
become available, microgravity research in
physical and biological sciences has grown in
importance. Using the Space Shuttle and soon the
International Space Station, scientists are able to
add long term control of gravity’s effects to the
short list of variables they are to manipulate in
their experiments. Although most people are
aware of the floating effects of astronauts and
things in orbiting spacecraft, few understand what
causes microgravity much less how it can be
utilized for research.
The purpose of this curriculum supplement guide
is to define and explain microgravity and show
how microgravity can help us learn about the
phenomena of our world. The front section of the
guide is designed to provide teachers of science,
mathematics, and technology at many levels with
a foundation in microgravity science and
applications. It begins with background
information for the teacher on what microgravity
is and how it is created. This is followed with
information on the domains of microgravity
science research; biotechnology, combustion
science, fluid physics, fundamental physics,
materials science, and microgravity research
geared toward exploration. The background
section concludes with a history of microgravity
research and the expectations microgravity
scientists have for research on the International
Space Station.
Following the background information are
classroom activities that enable students to
experiment with the forces and processes
microgravity scientists are investigating today.
The activities employ simple and inexpensive
materials and apparatus that are widely available
in schools. The activities emphasize hands-on
involvement, prediction, data collection and
interpretation, teamwork, and problem solving.
Activity features include objectives, materials and
tools lists, management suggestions, assessment
ideas, extensions, instructions and illustrations,
student work sheets, and student readers.
Because many of the activities and
demonstrations apply to more than one subject
area, a matrix chart relates activities to national
standards in science and mathematics and to
science process skills.
Finally, the guide concludes with a suggested
reading list, NASA educational resources
including electronic resources, and an evaluation
questionnaire. We would appreciate your
assistance in improving this guide in future
editions by completing the questionnaire and
making suggestions for changes and additions.
The evaluation can be sent to us by mail or
electronically submitted through the Internet site
listed on the form.