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In this activity, learners will train to develop upper and lower body strength in their muscles and bones by performing body-weight squats and push-ups. Learners perform the exercises over time (week or month) and record and graph their observations. This activity simulates how astronauts must participate in strength training prior to missions in order to compensate for the weakening of muscles and bones in the reduced gravity environment of space. An embedded video on this page showcases the activity. Learners can complete this activity as part of NASA's Fit Explorer Challenge, in which learners train like astronauts, set goals, track their progress, and accumulate points to progress through Exploration Levels and earn certificates.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 4 weeks
- free per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Mission Journal
- Pencil
- Watch or stopwatch (optional)
- Metronome (optional)
- Walking wheel (optional)
- Crew Strength Mission Handout
- Crew Strength Mission Log
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Body
- Muscles and Skin
- Health and Nutrition
-
Human Body
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
- Measurement
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Physical Activity
- Sports and Exercise
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Human Research Program Education and Outreach, NASA Johnson Space Center
Rights:
- Public domain, ,