SPACE SETTLEMENT

SPACE SETTLEMENT DESIGN

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you could no longer live on Earth? What are the chances of an asteroid hitting earth like the one that hit 65 million years ago killing off the dinosaurs? Living in an orbiting space station may be one answer. The course is designed to help you develop your creativity while learning new skills and gaining new knowledge of environmental needs in order to live in space. The course simulates the experience of working for a NASA space settlement design team. *(NASA's Near Earth Object Program, and program for April 2029)

This course guides you through the process of designing and building a representation of an orbiting space settlement. Space colonies are permanent communities in orbit, as opposed to living on the Moon or other planets. There are many advantages to living in orbit: zero-g recreation, environmental independence, plentiful solar energy, and terrific views to name a few. There is plenty of room for everyone who wants to go; the materials from a single asteroid can build space colonies with living space equal to about 500 times the surface area of the Earth.

While designing a space colony, students will have a chance to study physics, mathematics, space science, environmental science, and many other disciplines. Projects may include essays, stories, models, and artwork. Students will work independently and cooperatively in teams to design entire colonies or focus on one aspect of orbital living. In addition, teams will have the ability to work collaboratively with students in other middle schools to develop a joint project.

Computers will be used for online research in designing colonies, using graphics and sound, and animation and 3D renderings. Students will also learn HTML coding to design a Web page to share your project with others. Possible field trips will be to NASA/Ames Research Center, Space Camp facilities, and computer companies focusing on 3D computer design. The class will culminate with each team submitting their design and model as entries in the NASA sponsored Space Settlement Design Contest.

In Space Settlement Design you will be working independently and with others to create the ideal environment for a future space settlement. You will work on-line as well as with other schools to develop a joint project. Once you get started on your team, you will be working on your particular section of the final project.

During the course of the semester, you will have the opportunity to make a poster adverting your settlement, develop a Web page to tell others about it, build a scale model of your station and learn how to use 3D modeling and animation programs. At the end of the semester you will present your project to the class and enter your project in the NASA sponsored Space Settlement Design Contest. Your final grade will be based on the thoroughness of your project.

* * * WAY TO GO JORDAN!!! * * *

In March of 2008, the Jordan Space Settlement Design class submitted seven team projects in the NASA sponsored Space Settlement Design Contest. NASA received 109 submissions from 601 students and 33 teachers. Entries came from Iran, India, Uruguay, Venezuela, Romania, Slovenia, Iran and 11 states: California, Canada, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, Texas, New York, Tennessee, Missouri and Utah.

Congratulations to the 2008 winners from Jordan!

Look at the results for Jordan students!

• First Place team in the grades 6 - 9 division: ISS Vortex.
• Third Place individual, Apollo 0.5.

First place winners receive a private tour of NASA and Ames Research Labs, lunch, hats, certificates and Jordan receives world-wide recognition!