To introduce children to the concept of gravity on earth and in space.

Associated Standard and CORE Objective:

• 3000-0102 Make observations using a combination of sense (sight and touch) and communicate observations
  
  

• Toys in Space classroom video: This video stays in the blue box at the end of the day.
  (This video contains a brief introduction to the toys in space project and to microgravity. Following the introduction there are short segments demonstrating how each toy works both on earth and in space. The order of the toys shown on the video is as follows: (1)Clacker, (2)Jacks, (3)Magnetic Wheel-O, (4)Top, (5)Rattle-back, (6)Spring Jumper.)
• "Click here to view classroom Video."
• 30 - Toy boxes, each containing the following toys:
• 1 Clacker
• 1 Top
• 1 Ball with 6 jacks
• 1 Rattle-back
• 1 Large Magnetic Wheel-O
• 1 Spring Jumper
  
  

Explain to students that there is a force called gravity that holds us on the ground. Explain that in space this force is very weak. This is why astronauts float while they are in space. There is not enough gravity to hold them on the floor of the space shuttle.

Show the introduction of the class video to the students. Give the students about 3 minutes to try the first toy. Then ask the students to predict how the toy will act in space where there is very little gravity. Now show the astronauts playing with that toy. Ask the students to describe how the toy acted differently or the same on earth as it did in space. Repeat this process with all of the toys.

Career Fields:

Science

Occupations:

• Astronaut: Working with the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), astronauts man the various space projects. NASA primarily seeks candidates with a military background, jet aircraft flight experience, and engineering training.

Several Requirements:

• Have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics.
• Have three years of related professional experience following the degree.
• An advanced degree is recommended but could be substituted with additional years of work.
• Must be between 5’4’’ and 6’4’’.
• Have at least 1000 hours pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft.
• Be able to pass a NASA Class I Space physical or an equivalent exam.
• Mechanical Engineer: They plan and design tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical equipment. They design and develop power-producing machines such as internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and jet and rocket engines. They also design and develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, robots, machine tools, materials handling systems, and industrial production equipment. Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Physicist: They explore and identify basic principles governing the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Some use these principles in theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others apply their physics knowledge to practical areas such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment. They design and perform experiments with lasers, cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipment. They attempt to discover laws that describe the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. They also find ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, navigation equipment, and medical instrumentation. Education: Doctor of Philosophy

1. Do the laws of motion still apply in space?
2. How did micro-gravity (lack of gravity) affect the toys? Examples:_____________
3. What would spilt milk look like in space?