We recommend that you run this simulation in a classroom where desktop or laptop computers can be rearranged to form teams. Students working on the same teams should be seated close to one another to make communication easier. In addition, all students should be able to observe the large projection screen in front of the class.

Set up a primary communication center at the front of the room. Adjust the microphone and camera so that the members of the communications team sitting there can be seen and heard, with everyone else in the room behind them from the camera’s point of view.

• The life support team should have three computers, one dedicated to each astronaut. Pairs of students should be working at each computer, and each astronaut should have one cardio specialist and one respiration specialist monitoring his or her vital signs.  There should be no more than six students on the life support team.

• The task control team should have at least one computer. There should be six students on this team, two students per astronaut.

• The special operations team should have at least one computer. Any remaining students you have in your classroom should be assigned to this team. If you have additional computers available, create a ratio of at least one computer for every three students. 

• The whole class should be able to see and hear mission control. Make sure the audio can be turned up loud. Make sure the video can be seen anywhere in the room.

Download Microsoft Active Accessibility.