Humans in Outer Space – Current and Future Implications of Living in Space – This space science lesson explores the history of space exploration and the challenges astronauts face while living and working beyond Earth. Students learn about major space missions, the International Space Station, and how astronauts meet their everyday needs in microgravity.

The lesson focuses on how astronauts obtain oxygen, eat, sleep, and maintain personal hygiene in space. Students also explore how microgravity affects liquids and the human body through video observations and Predict, Observe, and Explain activities. The lesson concludes by examining the health challenges of extended space travel and how exercise and potential artificial-gravity systems could support longer missions.

In Order, the Lesson Covers:

• Key Milestones in Space Exploration
• The International Space Station (ISS)
• Predict, Observe, and Explain: Tears in Space
• Predict, Observe, and Explain: Wringing Out a Washcloth
• Obtaining Oxygen and Removing Carbon Dioxide
• Eating and Food Storage in Space
• Sleeping in Space
• Washing and Using the Bathroom in Space
• Scientific Research in Microgravity
• Getting Sick in Space
• Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body
• Exercise and Long-Term Solutions for Living in Space

Included in the lesson package is:

• Slides covering space exploration and daily life aboard the ISS
• Many embedded videos about living and working in space
• TWO Predict, Observe, and Explain activities
• Prompts for observations, note-taking, and classroom discussion
• An overview of astronaut health and potential solutions for long-duration missions

✅ Clear Overview: Space exploration, life aboard the ISS, and astronaut health explained through relatable examples.

✅ Interactive Lesson: Predict, Observe, and Explain activities encourage students to make predictions, record observations, and explain their thinking.

✅ Real-World Connections: Everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, and washing help students understand the challenges of microgravity.

✅ Future-Focused Learning: Students consider how exercise and artificial gravity could help humans live in space for longer periods.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

-----------------------------------------------

Google and Distance Learning Ready

• This lesson includes both Office and Google formats for ALL resources. The presentation is in PowerPoint and Google Slides while all documents contain Word and Google Doc versions.
• Your resource is perfect for distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom as I've included a link that will automatically create a copy of the resources and put them directly into your Google Drive with one click.
• Purchase --> Open --> Click --> Assign to your students

Having both options allows you to use either without worrying about formatting issues as all the work has already been done for you. It safeguards you in case your department or school decides to go Google 100% and allows you as well as your students to access everything no matter where you are or what kind of equipment is being used.

____________________

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.