NASA/NSTA Web Seminar: Living and Working in Space: Habitat LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP Thursday, May 10, :00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Essential Question: What kinds of habitats can be designed to support extended human activity in space or on the Moon or Mars? Design a research habitat that will allow six researchers to live on the Moon or Mars for an extended period of time. Researchers must be able to maintain physical health and a good quality of life.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Essential Question is about ecosystems. What is an ecosystem? 1 2 3

National Aeronautics and Space Administration An ecosystem is a community of interacting biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements, transferring energy and recycling material.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 3-Tiered Problem Tier 1: Imagine 6 humans on deserted tropical island for years on Earth. What does the island ecosystem provide? What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Deserted Island 1234

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 3-Tiered Problem Tier 2: Imagine 6 people in the International Space Station. What did island ecosystem provide naturally that ISS does not? What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration International Space Station 1234

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 3-Tiered Problem Tier 3: Imagine 6 people in a habitat on Mars. What must the habitat provide? What is your best prediction at this point? Four volunteers, please?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Habitat on Mars 1234

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Mars, like Earth is in the “Goldilocks” zone where planets can be habitable.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Mars is a close cousin of Earth with many similar features.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Past Wet and Warm? Modern Cold and Arid Mars

National Aeronautics and Space Administration WATERWATER When? Where? Form? Amount? Common Thread Determine if Life Ever Arose on Mars Characterize the Climate Characterize the Geology Prepare for Human Exploration Mars Science Strategy: Follow the Water

National Aeronautics and Space Administration WATERWATER When? Where? Form? Amount? Common Thread Determine if Life Ever Arose on Mars Characterize the Climate Characterize the Geology Prepare for Human Exploration Mars Science Strategy: Follow the Water

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Human Outposts on Mars Considerations 3/8 the gravity of Earth radiation reaches surface carbon dioxide atmosphere very cold (down to -220F°) no liquid water seasons twice as long

National Aeronautics and Space Administration The next generation exploring Mars… will be your students!

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Life in a Sealed Container Guide Questions: What are the important characteristics of a successful ecosystem? What modifications are necessary for a successful ecosystem on the Moon or Mars? Task to be assessed: Students will design an ecosystem in a sealed container and explain why it should be successful on the Moon or Mars. Healthy Choices Guide Questions: How can humans maintain proper nutrition and exercise? What modifications are necessary for extended space missions? Task to be assessed: Students will design a healthy diet and exercise plan for an extended stay on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be appropriate on the Moon or Mars.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Air and Water Guide Questions: How can humans maintain sufficient clean water and breathable air? What modifications are necessary for an extended space missions? Task to be assessed: Students will design a system to maintain clean water and breathable air in a habitat for six researchers on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be successful. Trash or Treasure Guide Questions: How can matter be recycled effectively? What modifications are necessary for extended space missions? Task to be assessed: Students will design a system to recycle matter in a habitat for six researchers on the Moon or Mars and explain why it should be successful.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Direct Links Or Thumbnails

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Overview Content Area Links Related Resource Links

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Resources for background information and activities Resources for NASA technology

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Related Websites Living and Working in Space: Habitat Imagine Mars Mars Student Imaging Project JPL Mars Missions

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National Science Teachers Association Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director Frank Owens, Associate Executive Director Conferences and Programs Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP NSTA Web Seminars Flavio Mendez, Program Manager Jeff Layman, Technical Coordinator Susan Hurstcalderone, Volunteer Chat Moderator