Aquanaut or Astronaut? Exploring Space and the Ocean
In this single 55- minute class, students will explore two extreme environments and learn how they are different and also, the same.
Jennifer Swanson, M.S. Ed
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Beginner Level
In this STEM enrichment class, learners will be introduced to the ocean and space environment. They will learn the different forces that occur in both places by comparing and contrasting the two. They will learn how humans are affected by living in microgravity in space and while experiencing great pressure under the ocean. They will see the areas where humans live, work, and sleep in both environments. They will also learn why humans explore and what they hope to learn in each environment. The class will be structured with a 20-25 minute highly interactive powerpoint presentation packed with fun and exciting visual images depicting astronauts and aquanauts "in action". Learners will be encouraged to participate in the voting portion (by choosing which place they would rather be- space or the ocean). This part will be followed by a short Q and A of what they just learned. And I will open it up to discussion. The atmosphere of the course will be one of encouraging curiosity, questions, and fun learning. The last portion of the class will allow time for learners to create their own spacesuit or diving suit OR they can engineer their own spacecraft or underwater living space. If time allows, learners will be asked to share their creations. We will end the class with a question asking how each learner would like to explore their own world and a way to encourage them to do so. No experience is necessary for this course other than a curiosity about STEM, space, and the ocean.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of the physical environments of both space and the ocean. They will learn about the forces that are important in both (pressure, temperature, buoyancy, microgravity, etc).
While this is a STEM enrichment class, the ideas taught in this course are aligned with NGSS standards:
3rd grade LS4.C Adaptation
4th grade ESS2.B Large-scale System Interactions
5th grade ETS1.B Developing Possible Solutions
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This content is kid-friendly and has been presented to students all across the country in both classroom, book festival, and library situations.
Supply List
Please have several pieces of paper, something to draw with (pencil, pen, markers, colored pencils, etc), and your imagination!
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Source material for the class comes from www.nasa.gov, www.whoi.edu, www.nationalgeographic.com
A list of suggested age-appropriate books will be provided after the class, if the learner should wish to learn more.
Jennifer Swanson, M.S. Ed
5.0
2reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Walden University
Bachelor's Degree in Science from U.S. Naval Academy
As the author of the National Geographic Kids book, Astronaut-Aquanaut, I got to meet in-person with several astronauts, NASA engineers, as well as many Aquanauts and divers. I am excited to share that research with my learners. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$21
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
8-10 learners per class
