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Death in Deep Space? Innovate or Perish!

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HBGCC - Innovation Arcade - Model Classroom 2

Model Lesson Experience

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Session description

Death in Deep Space? Innovate or Perish challenges participants to confront the five lethal hazards of spaceflight—radiation, microgravity, isolation, distance, and a hostile environment. Through an immersive VR Mission ISS experience, attendees will step into the role of astronauts, witnessing firsthand the dangers of space travel. Using the engineering design process, attendees will analyze real-world spaceflight risks and brainstorm solutions. Participants will then prototype their ideas using TinkerCAD for digital modeling or Makerspace materials for hands-on construction. This session emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world STEM applications, equipping students with the problem-solving skills needed for future space exploration. By the end, attendees will have practical strategies for engaging students in high-impact, hands-on STEM learning while fostering excitement for engineering and space innovation. Survival depends on ingenuity—can your students engineer solutions to save the future of space exploration?

Outline

Introduction (10 min): Brief lecture on the five hazards of spaceflight (e.g., microgravity, radiation). Engage participants with questions on how these hazards might affect astronauts' health and performance.

VR Mission ISS Experience (15 min): Participants use VR to explore the ISS and experience spaceflight challenges. Engage with reflection questions about how the environment impacted movement and health.

Engineering Design Challenge (20 min): Introduce the engineering design process (define problem, brainstorm, prototype). In small groups, participants use TinkerCAD or Makerspace materials to design solutions for spaceflight hazards.

Testing & Refining Designs (10 min): Participants test and refine prototypes, discussing improvements based on peer feedback.

Technology Integration: VR immerses participants in space hazards. TinkerCAD/Makerspace supports both digital and physical prototyping to design practical solutions for space challenges.

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Presenters

Kathryn Hofmann

STEM Teacher

Timbers Elementary, Humble ISD

Session specifications

Topic:

Project-, Problem- and Challenge-Based Learning

Attendee devices:

Devices required

Attendee device specification:

Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows

Subject area:

Interdisciplinary (STEM/STEAM), Technology Education