Communications and Explorations

Module 3: Space

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

• relate space technologies to the concepts and principles of science
• describe new areas of scientific and technological activity that have been generated by space research and exploration
• outline the influence of historical, political, and economic factors on space technologies and science
• discriminate between science and science fiction in terms of space technologies
• identify key events in the development of space exploration
• describe the physical basis of space flight
• demonstrate an understanding of the costs and benefits of space exploration
• describe Canadian involvement in the space program
• assess the sociological impact of the images of planet Earth that are returned from space
• identify possible future directions for the space program

Suggested Instructional Strategies

• Present videos on the history of space technology and exploration. Have groups of students develop posters to display historical developments or events in space travel.
• Have students research the many ways that the technologies developed for space travel have changed or benefited our lives.
• Have guest speakers from the Canadian or U.S. space agencies, a planetarium, a post-secondary institution, or industry present current developments in space technology, including the links between space technology and other scientific activity and technologies.
• Use guest speakers to present perspectives on the historical, economic or political factors influencing space technologies, both in the past and today.
• Have students prepare research reports on the scientific principles (and their technological adaptations) underlying various aspects of space technologies.
• Have students speculate on a Mars landing. Have them develop a model of a landing craft suitable to the Martian climate and conditions. Discuss the scientific and technological problems involved.
• Have students set off "water rockets" and measure the height achieved versus pump pressure. Then have them use distance formulae to calculate the initial velocity. They might also research what velocities are needed to escape earth's gravity.
• Have students research the role of British Columbia and Canada in cosmology/astronomy research and space technologies.
• Have students use telescopes and identify their findings. Have students explore or chart the movement of the stars, using software.
• Organize a field trip to a space-related industry or institution.
• Use science fiction to generate discussion on how much the image of space has changed over time. Students can make their own science fiction video in class, noting the applications of technology for special effects.

Suggested Assessment Strategies

• Assess class presentations on the history of space science, space exploration, or space technology, using predetermined criteria that have been discussed and planned with the class (e.g., clarity, accuracy, detail).
• Observe students' involvement in class discussions (e.g., the number of questions they ask, the complexity of the questions)
• Assess students' reports using the criteria discussed and predetermined by the class (e.g., organization, scientific descriptions, graphics, references).
• Use a rating scale to assess students' science fiction videos in terms of their understanding of science, their application of technology, and their use of special effects and creativity.
• Use a rating scale to assess students' posters for thoroughness, accuracy, clarity, and creative effort.
• Assess students' electronic searches for information based on the range of resources explored and the number accessed.
• Group models of landing craft may be assessed for detail of design, the realistic representation of science, and creativity.

• Breakthrough Series
• Capturing the Cosmos
• Earth Colonies in Space: The Technologies
• Eyes on the Universe
• Pilots and Astronauts
• Planets: New Discoveries
• To the Moon
• To the Moon and Beyond
• Robot Explorers

• MacStronomy 2.0
• Distant Suns
• SimEarth

• Science and Technology Videodisc Series 1

• Scientists Who Have Changed the World

Table of Contents

Curriculum Branch
Ministry of Education
© 1995 Copyright

Maintained by: Science and Technology Coordinator

Revised: January 27, 1999

Ministry of Education Home Page