Manned Space-Flight: Is it needful?

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Space shuttle Atlantis; Image credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

Provenance: Image credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
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In-Class Activity 1_Space Issues

Julia Kahmann-Robinson PhD and Marjorie Chan PhD, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics

Purpose

Discuss the issues surrounding manned-space flight and the future of space flight. You may also use the Statement to a Congressman/woman as homework for the in-class discussion.

Preparation

1. Disseminate copies of news articles and/or NASA goals for students to discuss in groups or...
2. Summarize points of each article in a PowerPoint presentation for discussion.

Resources

• News Article (find most recent): http://www.science20.com/brinstorming/near_future_manned_spaceflight-93648
• NASA Human Space Flight Goals: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/626738main_HEOMD2012Goals.pdf
• NASA roadmap for Astrobiology: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/
• Space-X CEO Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPJsI8pl8Q&feature=related

Engagement

Poll students on whether or not manned-space flight is a good idea

1. What is the reason for their choice?
2. What is the history of space flight?

Exploration

Manned-Space Flight Discussion in the News

• "The Near Future of Manned Space Flight" http://www.science20.com/brinstorming/near_future_manned_spaceflight-93648
• Discuss article and what the future might or should be.

Explanation

• Review NASA Human Space Flight Goals: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/626738main_HEOMD2012Goals.pdf
• Review NASA roadmap for Astrobiology: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/

1. What points do students believe are important?
2. What aspects did they not expect?

Elaboration

Space X Plans to put man on Mars in 10 years

• Interview with the CEO of Space-X (start interview at Time- 13:00-15:30) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiPJsI8pl8Q&feature=related
• Discuss what students think of this venture.

Evaluation

Statement to a Congressman/woman

Ask students to prepare a 2-page statement to a Congressman/woman recommending or declining space flight using NASA published goals and/or other publicly announced space flight goals.

1. Have students identify a real and acting member of Congress and write letter/statement accordingly.
2. Students must cite publications that support their recommendation
3. Review student recommendations to Congress for understanding of current NASA goals.