What's in the
News: Space
12 Fifteen-Minute Programs
Grade Level: 4 - 6
Curriculum Area: Science: Space
The series provides accurate and interesting information
about the space sciences and their applications as relevant and important human activities
in an historical context. The programs are organized around the themes: to be human is to
explore and discover in earth orbit and beyond: people, science, and technology images of
earth: communications, information, and perspectives.
Teacher Guide: 28 pages; includes discussion materials,
glossary, and resources.
Beyond
Planet Earth: Then and Now 14:30
Briefly chronicles the history and milestones of flight and rocketry from the myth of
Icarus to satellites and the proposed international space station. Science concepts
discussed include aerodynamic lift, rocket thrust, and orbits.
Eyes on
the Sky 13:49
Focuses on people's fascination with the universe and their study of it from
stargazing with the unaided eye to scientific exploration using the Hubble Space
Telescope. Science concepts discussed include electromagnetic radiation, telescopes,
atmospheric interference, and simple cosmology.
Gravity: A
Force of Nature 13:51
Explains concepts of universal gravitation including microgravity and weightlessness
with examples from earth such as a roller coaster and from space such as acrobatics on
Skylab and the Space Shuttle. Additional concepts addressed: Newton's laws of motion.
Space
Shuttle: Blast Off . . . Future 14:20
Looks at the Space Shuttle in detail: its design and functioning, how it is fueled,
and how it stays in orbit around the earth. The program also briefly describes Space
Station Freedom and the shuttle's role in building it. Science principles discussed:
combustion and satellite orbits.
Teamwork
in Space 14:39
Looks at the numerous people involved in the launching of a spaceship and the
completion of a successful mission.
Spaceship
Earth 14:32
Explains and compares natural and artificial ecosystems using the ocean and a
spacesuit as examples. Examines a spacesuit piece by piece. Science principles discussed:
atmospheric pressure and the elements of a balanced ecosystem.
Living in
Space 14:32
Examines the physiological changes to the body in space such as a shift in body fluids
and loss of calcium. The program also looks at changes in everyday living, including
washing, sleeping, and eating. Scientific principles discussed: microgravity's effects on
the body's chemistry and freedom of motion.
Working in
Space 14:24
Examines the effects of microgravity on astronauts' ability to work in space. The
program looks at important engineering designs ranging from footholds inside the space
shuttle to the mobile manned maneuvering unit. It also examines astronaut training on
earth including tasks performed in a huge tank of water. Scientific principles addressed:
gravitational forces, buoyancy, and computer-assisted design of space work stations.
Eyes in
the Sky: Communications Satellite 14:28
Looks at the ability of satellites to help us communicate with each other faster and
over longer distances. It traces the path of a satellite signal from a ground station on
earth to an orbiting communications satellite in space and back down to a receiving
station on earth. Topics discussed: radio transmission and the atmosphere, active and
passive communications satellites, satellite deployment, and geostationary orbits.
Eyes in
the Sky: Landsurvey Satellite 14:30
Explains what a landsurvey satellite is and its ability to "see" changes in
the earth's geography over time such as rainforest destruction and population growth.
Scientific principles addressed: electromagnetic radiation and atmospheric absorption and
reflection of radiation.
Eyes in
the Sky: Weather Satellite 14:00
Looks at the dramatic changes in weather forecasting due to advancements in satellite
technology. The program includes a brief look at weather on other planets. Scientific
topics discussed: atmospheric heating and cooling, polar and geostationary orbiting
satellites.
Space
Exploration: The Next Frontier 14:13
A planetary scientist discusses space colonization.
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