Space: 14 to 16 year olds
This list is designed to link to suitable resources to use space as a context for teaching STEM subjects for 14 to 16 year olds.
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Mission 1: Newton in Space
Produced with the input of experts and teachers, this 17-minute video from ESA illustrates how simple experiments, in space and on Earth, can be used to investigate Newton's three laws of motion. The video also examines the difference between mass and weight. The video uses demonstrations from two astronauts on the International Space Station and from classes in three different countries in Europe. Many of the simple experiments performed in the schools can easily be repeated in the classroom.
Episode 401: Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
Students practice calculations of the force between objects. The meaning of the inverse square law is discussed.
Activities include:
• introduction to Newton’s law of universal gravitation
• calculations involving force, mass and the distance between objects
What's Your Limit?
This investigation looks at the effects of subjecting a living organism (yeast) to some extreme conditions and observing changes to rates of reaction – indicating the ranges at which it can survive.
Curriculum areas covered:
• Respiration
• Cell biology
• Enzymes & rates of reaction
The video shows Chris Carr explaining the conditions that extremophiles can live in and how to perform the investigation into the conditions in which yeast can survive.
Molecules of Life
This resource includes a suite of games designed to promote thinking, learning and understanding as well as being enjoyable and engaging. They are all based around molecules that play key roles in life on Earth.
Curriculum areas covered:
• Chemical formulae
• Bonding and molecular shape
• Carbon cycle
Physics on Earth and Mars
This resource, devised by Anu Ojha from the National Space Centre, uses the context of the planet Mars to investigate pressure, magnetic fields and meteorites. There is also a demonstration of how to cook up a comet.
The presentation contains information that relates to both the pressure and TVs and magnets activities.
Radiation Math
A NASA resource, that takes a mathematical approach to looking at radiation, and will enable the student to be familiar with many forms of radiation, how it is measured, and what different doses can lead to over time. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years.
Mission 4: Space Robotics
This DVD lesson from ESA takes a look at aspects of robotics in novel environments which compliment the traditional laboratory or classroom environment. Practical demonstrations performed in space and on Earth introduce and explain several aspects of robotics, specifically robotic movement mechanics, sensors, programming and control.