Living and Working in Space

Introduction

Welcome to the virtual outreach unit on Living and Working in Space from The U.S. Space and Rocket Center! We would like to thank the National Space Club for their generosity in sponsoring the development of this unit. In this module you will find many resources that will help you provide an exciting and educational experience for your students. From introductory concepts, to career connections, in addition to activities and lesson plans, we hope you find everything you need for a successful teaching experience. Please see below for a detailed listing of the unit:

Pre-Activity Resources – This document provides links to articles and videos that provide introductory information about living and working in space; how it is different but also how it is the same.
Interview with a Payloads Communications Officer – This video highlights the career and educational experiences of a scientist who works with the astronauts on the ISS as they do their jobs every day.
Living and Working in Space– This video is a look at how astronauts deal with the day to day living in space and how much it has in common with the rest of us.
Activity – This document provides background information and instructions for eating healthy in space, as well as some recipes for astronaut food. There is also a video that demonstrates the activity. Continue Learning – This document includes links to help continue engagement. The links include videos, and articles, as well as additional activities.

Pre-Activity Resources

Things to Read

What is the International Space Station

ISS Facts and Figures

Eating in Space

History of Food in Space

ISS on Google Street View

Working in Space

Morning Routine in Space

Things to Watch

Eat Like an Astronaut (NASA Johnson)

Everything About Living in Space (NASA Johnson)

Pizza in Space (NASA Johnson)

Astronaut Tips: How to Wash Your Hair in Space (VideoFromSpace)

Astronaut Hygiene (European Space Agency, ESA)

Subject Matter Expert

Activity

In the early days of the space program, NASA didn’t have to worry about feeding the astronauts – Alan Shepard’s first flight was only about 15 minutes long! As we stayed longer and worked harder however, we needed to make sure that the astronaut’s needs were met. John Glenn was the first American to eat in space, and his snack consisted of applesauce in a tube and some xylitol tablets. Other Mercury astronauts had to deal with crumbly dehydrated cubes and mushy food in tubes. Needless to say, there were many complaints about space food. Download "Living and Working in Space" activity (pdf)

Living and Working in Space