Objectives

At the end of this lesson students will be able to explain how the space transportation system was designed and currently functions to support the human spaceflight effort into low earth orbit.

Students will explore virtual reality models, 3-D models, videos, live shuttle transmissions, on-line tutorials and other multi-media links about the space shuttle to accomplish this.

Specifically, students will upon completing this unit of instruction be able to: 

·        Give examples of alternate designs for the space shuttle and the rationale for the current design

·        Explain the goals of the shuttle program

·        Describe the components and systems of the space shuttle

·        Describe the roles and responsibilities of the members of the ground control team

·        List the types of careers available in the shuttle program

·        Give the reasons for the Challenger accident and describe the changes to the program that resulted from it

·        List some of the emergency procedures developed for the shuttle

·        Explain a variety of upgrades to the space shuttle since it’s inception

Successful knowledge acquisition will be determined by students submitting an original design or upgrade for the shuttle, a summary of events transpiring during a live mission, solving the Shuttle Math question correctly and by scoring at least 75 percent on the quiz.

Students will design either an upgrade for the space shuttle or a completely new design for a 21^st century space shuttle (intended for low earth orbit to and from the space station).  Students will also log on to the NASA Spaceflight Home Page and spend at least one hour listening to the Air to Ground Audio Link and write a one-paragraph summary of the events that transpire during that period.

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