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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

International Space Station scenario

In this lesson for grade 6, students will learn about the International Space Station and will explore the many careers associated with it.

A lesson plan for grade 6 Guidance and Science

By April Galloway and Christine Scott

Provided by CareerStart

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CareerStart lessons: Grade six
This collection of lessons aligns the sixth grade curriculum in math, science, English language arts, and social studies with potential career opportunities.
Page 3.6

Learn more

  • Astro-Venture Astro-Venture is an educational, interactive, multimedia web environment highlighting NASA careers and astrobiology research in the areas of astronomy, geology, biology and atmospheric science.
  • International Space Station Comes Together Using Adobe Flash, this timeline shows how the International Space Station has been constructed. Click on the links to find out more about its components.

Related pages

  • NASA spin-offs: NASA spin-offs are technologies and processes that were created by or for NASA but have been applied to everyday life. In this lesson for grade 6, students learn about NASA spin-offs and how they relate to various careers.
  • Robeson Planetarium/Science and Technology Center: A part of the public schools of Robeson County, this planetarium and science center specializes in programs geared to 3rd through 8th grade science.
  • Morehead Planetarium and Science Center: Located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a fascinating place to visit to learn more about astronomy.

Related topics

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Learning outcomes

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

Teacher planning

Materials needed

  • 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.)

Time required for lesson

Approximately 60 minutes
Homework time may be needed.

Advance preparation

  • Reserve computer lab.
  • Make copies of International Space Station student handout

Procedure

  1. 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)
  2. Give each student a handout and have students randomly select a career. (5 minutes)
  3. Take students to computer lab. Have them log in to computers and follow the procedure on the student sheet. (45 minutes)
  4. The individual questions on the student sheet can be completed during class, as time allows, or assigned as homework. (5 minutes)

Websites

Optional resources for more information on the topics covered in this lesson

Space-Age Living
Discovery Education’s website on the International Space Station provides basic information about the mission, videos, and teacher tips and resources.
International Space Station Interactive Reference Guide
A fully interactive website to explain how the crew lives and how the space station works, with a 360ยบ virtual tour.
Interactives: Spacewalk
Students can tackle a space station mission: connecting cables between two modules of the International Space Station.
neoK12: Space Exploration
Videos on space exploration reviewed by K-12 teachers, including three tours of the International Space Station.
NASA’s African-American Astronauts
A fact sheet with short biographies of NASA astronauts of African-American descent.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 6

  • 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.

  • North Carolina Essential Standards

    • Guidance (2010)

      • Progressing

        • P.CR.2 Understand the relationship among career goals and interests, personal interests, aptitudes, and abilities. P.CR.2.1 Maintain a career-planning portfolio. P.CR.2.2 Use research and information resources to obtain career information.