Orbital Space Lab STEM Inquiry Unit

Design an Experiment in Space: Orbital Space Lab STEM Inquiry Unit

NASA needs your help to design a new science experiment in space! What do you want to learn about living in space?

Students will complete a hands-on mystery box exploration to experience the process of doing science. This experience will help students build a deeper understanding of what it means to think like a scientist through discussion, readings, and videos. Students will learn about the International Space Station, the Destiny Module, and science labs on the ISS. To synthesize, students will design their own experiment using knowledge learned about how scientists ask questions, while also relating it to the information they learned about science labs on the ISS. Students will be challenged to pitch their experiment to NASA through a presentation or video.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Students can ask a testable question related to living in space

• Students can design an experiment to address that question using experimental design

Real-world STEM Connection:

• Mechanical Engineering

• International Space Station

• Science experiments in space

As with many STEM activities, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.

Included in this product:

• Detailed teachers guide with links to resources

• Editable teacher companion presentation slides

• Photos of student examples

• Editable printed student handouts

• Videos to motivate and support learning

• STEM Career Connections and real-world examples

• Science handouts

• Student recording sheet for each step of the process

Suggested Materials:

• Closed box with a lid (ex: shoe box) filled with various items including but not limited to: Marble, wooden blocks, cotton ball and metal piece 

• Magnets 

• Whiteboard (optional)

• Stethoscope (optional)

• Team Challenge Materials

  • 40 feet rope

  • (For attaching strings) Diving ring or dog food bowl

  • (ISS) Plastic bowl or dog food bowl

  • Drill - if using dog food bowl

  • Scissors

  • Lighter

  • Plastic ball: The larger and heavier the ball, the easier the task