Space Exploration
Theme: Space
Grade: 7-9
Introduction
Is space exploration an immoral waste of money? There are so many needs in society that could be regarded as basic human needs that are not being met. Can governments justify spending vast amounts of money on space exploration?
Task
You and your team are a part of a multinational Task Force on Space Exploration charged with determining the future of International Space Programmes. World leaders are concerned with the risks, budget expenses, and environmental concerns of traveling in space. They want to know if the benefits of current space programmes outweigh these concerns. For this assignment you will complete the following tasks:
1. Research important issues surrounding space exploration and determine whether or not to continue space programmes.
2. Create a memo and a corresponding PowerPoint presentation for the chairperson of the Task Force that will illustrate your findings concerning space exploration. Be sure to consider the impact the space programmes have on science, technology, and culture and explain how the world would be affected if space programmes were continued or eliminated.
3. Share your findings with other teams and debate and discuss points of similarity and difference.
Process
For this assignment, you will work in teams of four and you will divide your task into roles as follows (click on each role for more information):
Resources (websites)
Conclusion
By the time you have completed this task you should have discussed some very important issues regarding the spending of large amounts of money on scientific projects. Given that there are so many other demands on money in society you will hopefully have gained an insight and understanding of the relative needs for research spending.
