Teachers Examine the Biological Effects of Space Travel

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jun. 25, 2010) -- Teachers in the Space Foundation professional development class "Biological and Physical Research: Long-Term Space Travel," wrapped up their week of study with a presentation of space suits. They designed the suits to illustrate their learning about the biological effects of space travel. During the week the teachers also simulated the effects of space travel on the human body through activities involving a Barany Chair and microgavity pool exercises.

Two other classes for teachers will be held in July at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute in Colorado Springs:

• "Space Technologies in the Classroom: Imagery and High-Tech Science"
• "Earth Systems Science: Our Earth Revealed"

These week-long, full-day, graduate-level course allows teachers to earn continuing education credits, graduate credits, or work toward a master's degree in multiple related disciplines. The teachers who attend learn hands-on, minds-on activities and develop lesson plans that they can take back to the classroom. They also gain access to Space Foundation-provided teaching aids and additional lesson plans. The standards-based curriculum is designed to improve students' skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to motivate them to continue to study STEM topics.

More information about Space Foundation education programs is available here.

Pictured:  Teachers model the space suits they designed at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute in Colorado Springs.