Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 1, Space Academy (Jahn) (3rd – 4th)
What an exciting first day of Space Academy: A Study in Exploration! Students began the day by writing thoughtful letters to NASA, asking questions about astronauts’ lives, and sharing what they could bring to the NASA team as astronauts. Our class was eager to learn about everything from daily routines in space to the challenges and adventures of space travel.
Our key learning today was about the Scientific Method and microgravity. To analyze gravity in space, we did two major experiments. Astronauts sought to answer two problem questions. The first was, “How do astronauts eat fresh food in space?” We learned about plant farming in space from NASA’s Microgravity Plant Scientists. Then, we applied the scientific method to prove our hypotheses. Our astronauts have created a microgravity farm simulation and will grow lima beans in two groups with different variables all week. We will observe, analyze changes, and report progress daily, which is excellent to discuss with your astronaut each evening.
The second question about gravity was, “How do astronauts entertain themselves in space?” We also asked, “Do toys behave the same in space as they do on Earth? What is gravity’s role in toy behavior?” Again, we applied the scientific method to hypothesize and experiment. Astronauts played with five toys: a boomerang, marbles, a top, a soccer ball, and a yo-yo. They recorded observations about the toys’ Earth behavior. Then, we watched videos of NASA astronauts playing with the same toys in space. Again, we recorded observations about the toys’ behavior and compared them. All of this led to some excellent discussion on gravity’s impact on Earth and in space!
Our overarching theme this week is Exploration. If you want to extend learning tonight, you might consider reading some Space Poetry. I recommend “Moonlight” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Moon” by Amy E. Sklansky, or “Science-Fiction Cradlesong” by C.S. Lewis. As you read, look for connections to space and exploration. We will use these high-level texts throughout the week, so multiple readings at home will help prepare students for coursework!
It’s going to be a great week at Space Academy! Tomorrow, we launch into new learning related to these topics: flight, force, orbit (with connections to gravity), space suits, and space shuttles. We will also begin our exploration of the Solar System with stops at the International Space Station, the Sun, and the Moon.
Until next time, stay safe and reach for the stars!
Ms. Jahn