Signature on top of an image of the ISS.

ISS Science

Take your students to the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Randy “Komrade” Bresnik. ISS Science is a series of videos produced by the Museum’s STEM in 30 program.

Each video in the series features Bresnik discussing life in space and is followed by a hands-on demonstration that connects these real-world activities to basic science concepts. Designed for middle school educators, each video is accompanied by a lesson plan connected to the NGSS Standards. 

New videos for ISS Science will be released throughout Bresnik’s time in space on Expeditions 52 and 53. Come back often to see what’s happening on the International Space Station.

13. How Astronauts Return to Earth

Returning to Earth in a Soyuz capsule is a rough ride. In this episode of ISS Science Astronaut Randy Bresnik talks about the landing. Also see how the energy from a landing is dissipated in a hands-on classroom activity. 

Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 6-12 | Time: 90-120 Minutes

Lesson Plan: PDF iconAn Egg-cellent Return to Earth

12. Photos from the ISS

Astronaut Randy Bresnik has always had a love of photography and now he’ll be taking that passion to space as he snaps photos from above. In this ISS Science episode learn about the role of photography in space and also see how a photograph is made.

Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 5-12 | Time: 60-90 Minutes

Lesson Plan: PDF iconThe Science of Light and Photography

11. Staying in Shape in Space

In this episode of ISS Science Astronaut Randy Bresnik explains why exercising in space is so important. Also learn about bone density in a hands-on classroom activity using cereal.

Subject: Life Science | Grade Level: 2-5 | Time: 45-60 Minutes
Lesson Plan: PDF iconBone Density Loss.pdf

10. Science on Station: DNA Extraction

Astronaut Randy Bresnik explains why experiments are conducted on the International Space Station. Also check out a DNA experiment you can do in your classroom as astronaut Kate Rubins shows us how to extract DNA from peas. 

Subject: Life Science | Grade Level: 6-10 | Time: 45-60 Minutes

Lesson Plan: PDF iconScience on Station: DNA Extraction

9. Design Your Own Mission Patch

Subject: History of Spaceflight and the International Space Station | Grade Level: 5-8 | Time: 30-50 Minutes
PDF iconDesign Your Own Mission Patch

8. Puffy Head Bird Legs

Subject: Physical Science, Life Science | Grade Level: 3-8 | Time: 40-50 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Puffy Head Bird Legs

7. Taternauts

Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 5-8 |Time: 60-90 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Taternauts

6. A​ ​Cool​ ​Lesson​ ​on​ ​Thermal​ ​Expansion

Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science  |  Grade Level: 4-8  |  Time: 30 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: A​ ​Cool​ ​Lesson​ ​on​ ​Thermal​ ​Expansion

5. Using Waves to Communicate

Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 7-8 |Time: 45 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Using Waves to Communicate

Bonus: Live Downlink with the International Space Station & Astronaut Randy "Komrade" Bresnik

4. Astronaut Shares How to Get to Space

Subject: Education and Career Paths, Physical Fitness | Grade Level: 5-8 |Time: 20-30 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Astronauts and the ISS

3. Model a Solar Eclipse

Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 5-9 | Time: 30 Minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Modeling a Solar Eclipse
 

2. How to Launch a Rocket

Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 5-8 | Time: 1-2 class periods
PDF iconLesson Plan: How to Launch a Rocket

1. Spot the International Space Station!

Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 4 - 9 | Time: 30 minutes
PDF iconLesson Plan: Spot the International Space Station!