¡Disponible en español e inglés!
This FREE and FLEXIBLE program can be used with a whole class or individual students and is appropriate for English Language Learners or Dual Language programs.
Suited for Space meets both Science and English Language Arts learning standards*, is EASY and FUN to implement and includes optional hands-on activities.
Students will follow Museum Educators as they explore the dangers of the vacuum of space by investigating how low-pressure environments affect the human body. Students then design pressure suit examples for a marshmallow astronaut and see our educators test some of their own designs.
Finally, with videos and reflection questions created by our Education team, students get an up-close look at the history of aviation pressure suits and spacesuits by way of introduction to the unique artifacts at The Museum of Flight.
Created for the classroom, but is also a fun activity for students to do at home.
Program Details:
Grade Level: Upper Elementary Grades
Length: There are multiple opportunities to organize and utilize the program materials. Museum staff suggest two to three 45-minute sessions offered to students in an asynchronous and/or synchronous manner.
Price: At no cost
Technical Requirements:
- Ability to access YouTube (all videos are hosted through the Museum’s YouTube channel)
- A computer with internet connection
Availability: Anytime!
Standards Alignment*:
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Practices: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Disciplinary Core Ideas: Developing Possible Solutions and Optimizing the Design Solution
- Cross Cutting Concepts: Energy and Matter
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA/Literacy
- Follow precisely a multistep procedure and when carrying out experiments
- Conduct short research projects to answer a question
Download Suited for Space:
Fill out the form below to access the Suited for Space program materials. The only required piece of information is a Zip Code.
Is this program standards aligned?
Yes! Materials are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards including Disciplinary Core Ideas of Matter and Its Interactions, Motion and Stability, Engineering Design, with integration of several Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts.
Is this a live program?
No. All of the content has been pre-recorded and is organized and accessed via the Prezi Presentation. The accompanying teacher guide includes discussion questions which teachers can use to engage their learners in live pre- or post-activity conversations.
What is Prezi?
Prezi is a creative, visual presentation software. No account is needed to view our Prezi content.
Do students need to know how to use Prezi?
No. There is an introductory video to orient the learner on how to move through the Prezi Presentation.
How long will I have access to the Prezi and additional content?
You will have indefinite access to the Prezi and PDF materials.
What Program Materials will I receive?
- A link to guided science and engineering demonstrations and tours of Museum exhibits and artifacts created by the Museum’s Education team and delivered via Prezi
- PDF Companion Resources with background information and suggested extension activities which support NGSS learning standards with focus on structure and properties of matter.
- Educator Guide: Big Ideas, Vocabulary, Discussion and Comprehension Questions, Extension Activities
- Student Guide: Step-by-step infographics to assist students throughout the program
- Video Transcripts: English language transcripts for all video content
How should the teacher/group leader utilize the program materials?
One suggestion is for the educator to pre-teach using the background information in the Educator Guide, have the learner then go through the Prezi (either asynchronously or synchronously), then follow up with extension activities. However, the program materials lend themselves to multiple approaches.
What does this program cover?
This program is divided into two units: 1) The science, engineering and technology of spacesuit design, 2) A history of spacesuit design. Throughout the program, we’ll explore and address the following core concepts plus much more!
- The dangers of the low-pressure environment of space
- Atmospheric pressure and its effects on the human body
- Using a vacuum pump and chamber to carry out engineering and design investigations, then analyze and interpret the collected data
- How pressurized suit designs changed over time to incorporate new technology
- Good engineering is based in science and math, and it’s ultimately achieved by putting the humans who will be utilizing the engineered product first.
How is YouTube incorporated?
All video content is viewed through unlisted YouTube links that are embedded into a Prezi. If you plan to share/facilitate this program in a classroom setting, please confirm that your school or district does not block YouTube before requesting.
How soon do I need to make a reservation?
No reservations are needed for this program--you can request it anytime you'd like and receive the materials immediately!
What is your cancellation policy?
We're sorry, but since you receive all of the program materials immediately after submitting we cannot cancel your request.
Is financial assistance available?
This is a free program, no purchase necessary!
For additional questions, please email Education@museumofflight.org or call 206-764-0384
This program was made possible through a generous grant from The Boeing Company.