More Space Shuttle Experiments Take Flight Summary

As humans, we are born with a natural desire to learn and discover. With space exploration, we are able to do just that. In an online essay called “Is Space Exploration Worth the Cost”, Dr. Joan Vernikos,

I have always been interested in science, but the hands on experiments have helped me understand and grasp concepts much easier. I recall my first experiment in first grade when the class was given the lima bean sprout experiment, which required students to plant a bean in a paper cup. The purpose of this experiment was to teach us about photosynthesis and practice our observation skills. I recall how others were fascinated about why their sprout grew. I, on the other hand, was more captivated by why the other sprouts did not grow and the factors, which contributed to that outcome. This basic experiment taught me to look at things through different lenses and not always to the most obvious path.

From collaborative learning inside of the student’s clusters of desk to hands-on lessons in STEM discovery, Galaviz is continually working to push the STEM envelope at Garfield Elementary. She hosts a Saturday STEM club for 4th - 6th graders, and recently, through a two-year grant funded by NASA and a partnership with Boise State University, she has trail-blazed even more at home learning opportunities. For K-6, each classroom now has the ability to take STEM backpacks home over the weekend. With three different lesson plans, students can now bring STEM home, experimenting and creating with the help of their

“We’ll continue our quest into space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue” (6).

something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle’s take-off. I know it’s hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons… I’ve always had great faith in and respect for our space program. And what happened today does nothing to diminish it. We don’t hide our space program… There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.”

In conclusion, I chose this Citizens Science Project for my future classroom because of the benefits it will give my students. I believe that each student will be a scientist and will prepare them for observing higher education labs, without the intimidation that can happen to many students. This project will help scientists make predictions about natural disasters and weather patterns, while simultaneously helping boost my students’ confidence and interest in science and the world going on around

Zangori, L. & Forbes, C. T., (2014). Scientific practices in elementary classrooms: Third-grade students’ scientific explanations for seed structure and function. Science Education, 98, 614-639.

For this assignment I suppose to visit the California Science Center specially the space shuttle. When I arrived there, I was bust and I told my self that I want to go to the space shuttle then I leave directly. However, the ‘s information, I notice that physics discover a big part in the life.

The topic I decided to learn more about for this activity was about NASA'S Apollo missions. I got my information from an article on their website titled "Apollo 11 Mission overview." The main motivation behind the original Apollo mission was to explore the moon and "develop mans capability to work in the Lunar environment." It was during Apollo 11, this fifth Apollo mission that America landed on the moon. This was extremely significant because it was the first time humans had ever been on the moon and were able to explore it. Data collected from this has been used to assist scientist in studying and understanding life beyond earth. This discovery was only possible because of all of the previous Apollo missions that failed and better prepared

The human kind has always been astonished by the wonders of our environment, both in planet Hearth as in outer space. Therefore, due to such astonishment humans always try to learn and understand the environment around them. It is that needing for knowledge and intellectual growth which leads to scientific research and exploration. However, it is outer space exploration which has always gotten into people’s mind since ancient times. As a result of that curiosity, in modern times institutions are created with the only purpose for studying what there is up there. One of those institutions, it is the National Aeronautical and Space Administration, known as NASA.

After reading the Solar System Lab Review, I believe this is something that I can use with a middle school class. This lab activity activates prior knowledge while using inquiry based group projects to get the students involved in the learning process.

The purpose of this field trip is to learn new and adventurous facts about science. Our field trip will be held on Wednesday April 13, 2016, in the California Science Center. The California Science Center provides information about outer space, our body, and of course how the world began. We will be going through several places including: the IMAX Theatre, the model of Endeavour, our body systems, the botanical garden, and airplane models.

Eli’s naturally investigative nature allows him to enjoy hands-on science experiments. However, in his rush to begin experiments he tends to miss key directions leaving him and his group struggling with completing the task at hand. Though it can take more than a session for Eli to complete an experiment, his tenacity and desire to learn, allow him to work through the challenges and succeed in the end. His science notes and lab reports are well organized. Eli’s predictions, observations, and conclusions, as they relate to our science experiments, show an understanding of the material being taught.

In the initial experiment, NASA used the Veg-01 to study how naturally grown veggies would work in orbit. Planting the seeds in “pillows”, the scientists then began to study the performance of the plant growth facility back in May 2014.

Overall, I think this project was a really good learning experience for our class. Everyone got something out of the project, whether is was a good or bad thing. Hopefully we can all be more successful next time we do a group project. I am glad I got to refresh myself on how to calculate mass, volume, and density so I can remember for the future. I can not wait to do the airplane project next and see how things will