Tomorrow is the final launch for Space Shuttle Discovery. It is exciting to think that we will all be watching when Discovery lists off for one final launch. NASA TV streams the launch live and we will be watching! You can visit: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html to check it out in your classroom!
The shuttle launch offers many fascinating ways to incorporate all subjects into some fun, authentic learning experiences.
1.) Evaluate: The steps to launching the shuttle are amazing. Today I asked my sixth graders to identify the five most important steps. It was great to hear them debate about which steps were key in a successful mission. Let them decide what events in the detailed sequence of steps are the most important ones. They could create a timeline of the most significant events so that when they view the launch they can see them!
2.) Debate: The Space Shuttle program is ending soon. Many see it as the end of an era. Ask students to debate if the shuttle program should end. They could use a graphic organizer, a program like Inspiration or SMART Ideas, to create a list of positives and negatives for continuing to advance in our space program.
3.) Create: Make a mission patch with your class. Let students choose a patch from the NASA database, research the Mission, and then describe how the patch symbolizes that mission. As a class, create one patch that everyone is a part of.
4.) Design: Choose a planet…any planet! Research what the conditions are on that planet and design a space suit that would keep you safe and healthy there! Draw it, build it, or sculpt it!
5.) Watch: This amazing video is a timelapse of the preparation of Discovery! Thanks to one of my students for locating it today, because it is REALLY cool!
So, are you a GO for launching into learning tomorrow? 🙂
