Do a Spacewalk!

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In this activity, learners train to increase muscular strength and improve upper and lower body coordination by performing the “bear crawl” and the "crab walk.” Learners perform the exercises over time (week or month) and record and graph their observations. This activity simulates how astronauts must participate in strength and coordination training prior to missions in order to move and complete important tasks 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.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 4 weeks
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
      • Muscles and Skin
      • Health and Nutrition
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

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, ,