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: An 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: The 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: Bone Density Loss
10. Science on Station: DNA Extraction
Subject: Life Science | Grade Level: 6-10 | Time: 45-60 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Science on Station: DNA Extraction
9. Design Your Own Mission Patch
What’s the meaning of those patches that astronauts wear? Astronaut Randy Bresnik has the answer. Also check out this ISS Science lesson for how to make your very own mission patch.
Subject: History of Spaceflight and the International Space Station | Grade Level: 5-8 | Time: 30-50 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Design Your Own Mission Patch
8. Puffy Head Bird Legs
Subject: Physical Science, Life Science | Grade Level: 3-8 | Time: 40-50 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Puffy Head Bird Legs
7. Taternauts
In this episode of ISS Science, Astronaut Randy Bresnik walks us through the different parts that make up a spacesuit. Also learn how to make and test your own spacesuit using a potato.
Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 5-8 |Time: 60-90 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Taternauts
6. A Cool Lesson on Thermal Expansion
Astronauts performing spacewalks have to deal with extreme temperature differences. In this episode of ISS Science Astronaut Randy Bresnik talks about the challenges of working in the raging heat and freezing cold. Also check out an experiment you can do in your classroom.
Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 4-8 | Time: 30 Minutes
Lesson Plan: A Cool Lesson on Thermal Expansion
5. Using Waves to Communicate
In this episode of ISS Science Astronaut Randy Bresnik explains the main ways astronauts communicate with people on Earth. Also learn about how satellites work in a hands-on classroom activity.
Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 7-8 |Time: 45 Minutes
Lesson 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
In this episode of ISS Science Astronaut Randy Bresnik talks about fellow crewmate Joe Acaba.
Subject: Education and Career Paths, Physical Fitness | Grade Level: 5-8 |Time: 20-30 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Astronauts and the ISS
3. Model a Solar Eclipse
On Aug. 21, 2017, millions of Americans will get the chance to see a total solar eclipse. Astronaut Randy Bresnik will have a unique view as he watches from space. In this episode of ISS Science, find out how the ISS crew will watch and learn how to build your own eclipse.
Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 5-9 | Time: 30 Minutes
Lesson Plan: Modeling a Solar Eclipse
2. How to Launch a Rocket
What do balloons have to do with rockets? Find out in this episode of ISS Science with Astronaut Randy Bresnik.
Subject: Physical Science | Grade Level: 5-8 | Time: 1-2 class periods
Lesson Plan: How to Launch a Rocket
1. Spot the International Space Station!
NASA Astronaut Randy Bresnik is preparing to head to the International Space Station and when he gets there he wants you to give him a wave from below! In this episode of ISS Science you’ll learn how you can spot the ISS.
Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science | Grade Level: 4 - 9 | Time: 30 minutes
Lesson Plan: Spot the International Space Station