Introduction
This lesson will
guide you in
implementing the
live simulation on
mission day. In the
mission a space
shuttle is trying to
rescue a satellite
trapped in an
unusable orbit above
Earth. An
extravehicular
activity (EVA) will
be performed to
repair the satellite
and relaunch it into
the correct orbit.
Working together,
the student teams
have to monitor
astronaut vital
signs, plan
astronaut tasks, and
solve problems that
arise during the
mission to ensure
that the EVA is a
success.
Duration
75-90 minutes
Vocabulary
None
Materials
- Three
computers for the
life support team
connected to the
Internet
- One
computer per team
for task control,
special operations,
and communications
connected to the
Internet
- Videoconferencing
unit
- Copies of
report forms for
each team
- Pencils
- Calculators
- Scrap
paper
Teacher
Preparation
- Use your
videoconferencing
unit to test connect
with NASA at least
one week before
mission day.
- Make sure
you have arranged
the classroom for
mission day. See the
document called “How
to Set up the
Classroom” in the
Mission Day section
of the web site for
a diagram and
instructions.
- Make
nameplates for the
team tables so that
students can easily
identify each team
during the mission.
- Print and
copy the report
forms for each team.
Procedure
- Students
should review their
team instructions
before mission day.
- Students
should organize
their work stations.
- Connect to
NASA. The mission
commander will
provide
instructions.
Student
communicators will
provide information
to the mission
commander.
- Students
participate in the
live event.
- After the
mission and
debriefing session,
you can provide
additional time for
students to recount
their mission
experience. There
might not be enough
time during the
debriefing itself
for them to share
their thoughts and
feelings.
Discussion Tips
The students should
be ready to fully
participate in the
simulation. You may
want to be available
to help your
students, but you
should avoid rushing
in to solve problems
they could solve
with time. Problem
solving and teamwork
are important and
valuable parts of
the simulation
experience, and
students often need
to work with minimal
teacher support to
develop these
skills.
Special Comments
Make sure you have
arranged the
classroom before the
mission and checked
on all technical
requirements well
before mission day.
Have all materials
and handouts ready
for each team along
with extra pencils,
erasers, and
calculators. Label
each table with a
team name so
students can easily
find the specific
teams during the
mission.
Throughout the
mission keep in mind
that the mission
commander has a hard
time monitoring
interest or
confusion at a
distance. Feel free
to interject where
necessary to make
the experience as
interactive for
students as
possible. Encourage
anyone who asks you
questions you cannot
answer to address
them to the mission
commander.
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