Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of space exploration. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in space? Have you seen any movies or documentaries about space stations or astronauts? What do you think are some of the biggest challenges that astronauts face in space? How do you think space exploration can benefit our daily lives on Earth?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image of the International Space Station. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Do you think the image shows the inside or the outside of the space station? What are some of the key features that you notice in the image?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of the International Space Station and its purpose. Pay attention to the key terms and concepts that are introduced, such as “habitable artificial satellite” and “low Earth orbit”.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG0ITLWb_hE. As you watch the video, pause at the following points to reflect on the content:
- At 2:00 minutes, what do you think is the main purpose of the International Space Station? How does it contribute to our understanding of space and the human body?
- At 5:00 minutes, what are some of the challenges that astronauts face in space? How do you think these challenges can be overcome?
- At 8:00 minutes, what do you think is the significance of the space station’s water recycling system? How can this technology be applied to other areas of space exploration?
After watching the video, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/a-space-station-odyssey-big-bigger-biggest/ to learn more about the topic.
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary terms by completing the quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question:
- What does the term “habitable artificial satellite” refer to in the context of the International Space Station?
- A) A spaceship that can travel to other planets
- B) A laboratory for conducting experiments in space
- C) A man-made object in low Earth orbit where astronauts can live and work
- D) A rocket used for launching spacecraft into orbit
- What is the primary purpose of launching a laboratory in space with a crew of three cosmonauts?
- A) To conduct experiments on the effects of zero gravity on the human body
- B) To test the feasibility of a 2-year return trip to Mars
- C) To investigate how life might be moved off the planet
- D) To demonstrate a controllable chemical reaction using hydrogen peroxide
- What is the function of control moment gyroscopes on the space station?
- A) To generate thrust using hydrogen peroxide
- B) To steer the space station by exerting a force when their spinning wheels are adjusted
- C) To recycle wastewater and recover water content
- D) To protect the station from space debris
- Why is water recycling crucial for future space missions, such as a 2-year return trip to Mars?
- A) Because it allows for the recovery of 94% of wastewater
- B) Because it enables the space station to maintain its orbit without reboosting
- C) Because it is essential for sustaining life for extended periods in space
- D) Because it reduces the risk of being hit by space debris
- What is the purpose of the gap between two thin sheets of aluminum in protecting the Space Station from space debris?
- A) To increase the thickness of the protective layer
- B) To reduce the weight of the protective material
- C) To allow the particle to fragment and slow down, forming a debris cloud that spreads out
- D) To improve the visibility of incoming debris
Grammar Focus:
The activity focuses on the use of the present simple and present continuous tenses to describe scientific facts and ongoing processes. Read the grammar explanation and complete the quiz to test your understanding:
- The International Space Station ________ the planet 16 times a day.
- A) is circling
- B) circles
- C) will circle
- D) has circled
- Astronauts ________ intense training to prepare for spacewalks.
- A) undergo
- B) will undergo
- C) are undergoing
- D) have undergone
- The ISS ________ a continually evolving project with 14 modules.
- A) is
- B) was
- C) has been
- D) is being
- Scientists ________ how the human body will cope in extreme space environments.
- A) are unsure
- B) were unsure
- C) have been unsure
- D) will be unsure
