A NOTE TO THE TEACHER . . . .

Thanks for visiting the Staerkel Planetarium section of the "Museums at the Crossroads" on-line workbook. This section revolves the planetarium's simulated space shuttle space suit that appears on the planetarium's segment of the "Museums Rule!" CD-ROM. The objective for this section is for children to do some brainstorming and problem solving and consider how an astronaut can survive in space.

This section of the workbook is divided into several parts. First, students are asked to brainstorm what is needed for survival both on Earth and in space. You might make a list on a poster in your room or on the board. You may use the "K-W-L" method by finding out what students Know, what they Want to know, and eventually what they have Learned. Keep this list handy as you may refer back to it as you work through this web site. Common answers are given here in the "answer here!" link. The next section asks the students to determine which of the items on their list is the most important. Many will say "air" or "oxygen," though experience tells us that few will say "air pressure." Once again, the "answer here!" link provides information on air pressure and examples of dealing with air pressure through water pressure (a swimming pool) and in demonstrating a lack of air pressure.

Please view the activity links below ahead of time to determine whether you will do this as a class activity, a class demonstration, or maybe to skip it all together. An equipment list, evaluation suggestions, and extension activities are included.

The main part of the web site is a diagram of the space suit itself. As you click on the different parts of the suit, you and your students will be introduced to that part, why it is important, how it works, and possibly an activity to illustrate that particular part. Where appropriate, web links are provided to NASA sites for other activities. Be sure to constantly refer back to your initial list of survival requirements to see how each part of the space suit allows human beings to survive in the harsh environment of space.

There are further web links at the bottom of the page to pages appropriate for kids. Links with further demonstrations and NASA information appear at the bottom of this page. Also note the "Ask Starman" link on the student page where students can ask questions of the Staerkel Planetarium staff. At the bottom of the student page is a quiz based on information in the web site. The answers to this quiz are linked below. You could also print out the diagram of the suit and have the students label the parts as an assessment tool.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please email the Staerkel Planetarium at dleake@parkland.cc.il.us. We appreciate your feedback!

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