NASA/NSTA Web Seminar:

Living and Working in Space: Habitat

LIVE INTERACTIVE LEARNING @ YOUR DESKTOP

Thursday, May 10, 2007

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Essential Question: What kinds of habitats can be designed to support extended human activity in space or on the Moon or Mars?

Design a research habitat that will allow six researchers to live on the Moon or Mars for an extended period of time. Researchers must be able to maintain physical health and a good quality of life.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Essential Question is about ecosystems. What is an ecosystem?

1

2

3

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

An ecosystem is a community of interacting biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements, transferring energy and

recycling material.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

3-Tiered Problem

Tier 1: Imagine 6 humans on deserted tropical island for 2 - 3 years on Earth. What does the island ecosystem provide?

What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Deserted Island

1 2 3 4

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

3-Tiered Problem

Tier 2: Imagine 6 people in the International Space Station. What did island ecosystem provide naturally that ISS does not?

What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

International Space Station

1 2 3 4

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

3-Tiered Problem

Tier 3: Imagine 6 people in a habitat on Mars. What must the habitat provide?

What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Habitat on Mars

1 2 3 4

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Mars, like Earth is in the “Goldilocks” zone where planets can be habitable.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Mars is a close cousin of Earthwith many similar features.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

PastWet and Warm?

ModernCold and Arid

Mars

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

W

A

T

E

R

When?Where?Form?

Amount?

CommonThread

Determine if Life Ever Arose on Mars

Characterize the Climate

Characterize the Geology

Prepare for Human Exploration

Mars Science Strategy:

Follow the

Water

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

W

A

T

E

R

When?Where?Form?

Amount?

CommonThread

Determine if Life Ever Arose on Mars

Characterize the Climate

Characterize the Geology

Prepare for Human Exploration

Mars Science Strategy:

Follow the

Water

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Human Outposts on Mars

Considerations

• 3/8 the gravity of Earth• radiation reaches surface• carbon dioxide atmosphere• very cold (down to -220F°) • no liquid water• seasons twice as long

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

The next generation exploring Mars… will be your students!

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Life in a Sealed Container

Guide Questions: What are the important characteristics of a successful ecosystem? What modifications are necessary for a successful ecosystem on the Moon or Mars?

Task to be assessed: Students will design an ecosystem in a sealed container and explain why it should be successful on the Moon or Mars.

Healthy Choices

Guide Questions: How can humans maintain proper nutrition and exercise? What modifications are necessary for extended space missions?

Task to be assessed: Students will design a healthy diet and exercise plan for an extended stay on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be appropriate on the Moon or Mars.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Air and WaterGuide Questions: How can humans maintain sufficient clean water and breathable air? What modifications are necessary for an extended space missions?

Task to be assessed: Students will design a system to maintain clean water and breathable air in a habitat for six researchers on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be successful.

Trash or TreasureGuide Questions: How can matter be recycled effectively? What modifications are necessary for extended space missions?

Task to be assessed: Students will design a system to recycle matter in a habitat for six researchers on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be successful.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Direct Links

Or Thumbnails

http://son.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Overview

Content Area Links

Related Resource

Links

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Resources for background information and activities

Resources for NASA technology

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

Related Websites

• Living and Working in Space: Habitat

http://son.nasa.gov

• Imagine Mars

http://imaginemars.jpl.nasa.gov

• Mars Student Imaging Project

http://msip.asu.edu

• JPL Mars Missions

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov

http://www.elluminate.com

Elluminate logo

http://learningcenter.nsta.org

NLC screenshot

National Science Teachers AssociationGerry Wheeler, Executive Director

Frank Owens, Associate Executive Director Conferences and Programs

Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning

LIVE INTERACTIVE LEARNING @ YOUR DESKTOP

NSTA Web SeminarsFlavio Mendez, Program Manager

Jeff Layman, Technical CoordinatorSusan Hurstcalderone, Volunteer Chat Moderator