Medium Post #4 Space Exploration
News was made last week when the space company SpaceX launched its own crew capsule and safely returned it to Earth. One of the other reasons this is moment is important, the US will be using US rockets and ships to get their astronauts into space again. The article from the New York Times goes into more depth on all the reasons, this moment is important.
One could use the article in high school social studies class on the US or world history as part of a project. The project would start with a close reading of the article. During the close reading make sure students are reading with a method to highlight important items. Ask questions that are centered on space exploration and the article. Here are examples of questions students might have; “why does it matter that the rockets are US made?”, “Who cares about getting to space, while we have problems on Earth?”, “if its easier to get to space, why aren’t we heading to Mars?”. Then using tablets or computers students would do research on space exploration in the US and the world. While researching students are encourage to use different perspectives to gain insight on the topic. Such as looking at the questions from a scientific or mathematics or astronomical perspective. Students will attempt to answer the question of “what is the affect of the space race on the US/world then and now?” “Why is it still important to explore space and have launch capabilities?”. Students can choose to answer these questions, with a 2 page paper, presentation, or a five minute video.
This activity and project would meet the social studies content standards 1 and 5. It would also assist in answering the Grand Challenges of unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and understanding the American experience. Discussing space exploration will encourage students to ask about galaxy and how they form. Also helps students to see how space exploration has affected America in the past and present.
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