International Space Station scenario - Science - CareerStart lessons: Grade six

Learning outcomes

Students will describe space explorations and the understandings gained from the International Space Station, and will explore related careers.

Computer with Internet access
International Space Station student handout
Paper
Pencil
Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor (Note: If the Occupational Outlook Handbook is not available at your school media center or guidance office, please refer to the electronic version on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. This website is also a great tool for readers who would struggle with a handbook of this size.)

Approximately 60 minutes
Homework time may be needed.

Explain to students that they will be working on the computer to learn about the International Space Station (ISS). Students will have the career of someone who has helped to plan, create, build, assemble, or work on the space station. (5 minutes)
Give each student a handout and have students randomly select a career. (5 minutes)
Take students to computer lab. Have them log in to computers and follow the procedure on the student sheet. (45 minutes)
The individual questions on the student sheet can be completed during class, as time allows, or assigned as homework. (5 minutes)

Websites useful for student career research:
- The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor
- The NASA Astroventure website
Websites useful for student research on the International Space Station:
- European Space Agency (ESA) website - information about building the ISS
- Canadian Space Agency (CSA) website - ISS history
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website - living in space
- NASA website about the ISS
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) website - ISS and human space exploration

Goal 5: The learner will build understanding of the Solar System.
- Objective 5.04: Describe space explorations and the understandings gained from them including:
  - N.A.S.A.
  - Technologies used to explore space.
  - Historic timeline.
  - Apollo mission to the moon.
  - Space Shuttle.
  - International Space Station.
  - Future goals.