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FREE 1-hour Webinar for Grades K-12!

Summary: Come learn about the effects on bone density and muscle stress onboard the International Space Station.  Explore how this also impacts our Artemis planning for the Journey back to the Moon and then on to Mars. 

Do a deep dive into an activity about bone density where students can test how an impact can affect bones of different densities using a piece of cereal to represent a bone cell. Some bones have more cells which means they have higher density. Disuse or inactivity will lead to a decrease in bone density. Watch how astronauts on the International Space Station use exercise on orbit and dive into the science behind what happens to bones and muscles in microgravity.

Looking at NASA's Space Food, we will talk about relevant connections to daily life by making connections between portion size, caloric content and nutritional value. Participants will calculate the energy needs using the basal metabolic rate (BMR) equation and the amount of daily exercise. Plan a daily menu that meets the calculated caloric needs using the current International Space Station menu. Using the weight of the food, calculate the cost to transport a balanced one-day menu. Extension activities include estimating serving size, calculating empty space, and percent difference.

 Leave with a classroom ready PowerPoint that works great for an in-person, at home or virtual presentation and includes videos, links and aligns to NGSS.