This week we are taking a look and the mind and body side of being an astronaut.  Working in space has many challenges and one is how astronauts will get enough water to survive.  Our own bodies are 70% water and even dropping a very percents can impact how we think, move, and how our body functions.

What may surprise you is how much being an astronaut is also like being an athlete.  Hydration is critical to both of these professionals and it can seriously effect their performance.

Did you know, each of us, on average, uses about 1400 cups of water a day!  Just think of how much water you would have to lug around if you were moving around and had to carry the amount of water you need each day from home to home.   Astronauts did and do just that.  When the International Space Station program started, the astronauts would bring water up to the station as they arrived or when other supplies were delivered by non-manned space craft.    This helped them maintain the balance of water they needed to stay alert and healthy while they worked inside and outside the ISS.

However, according to  ISS Commander Chris Hadfield, deliveries of water to the ISS was significantly reduced because astronauts had the tools to collect and reuse the water used about the station by recycling and filtering.  So..what water did they recycle? Check out his video below...  You just may be grossed out. :)

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Proper hydration is important to all living things.  However, in the Florida heat and humidity, athletes need to stay up on the signs and alerts their bodies give when sweat and energy usage (working out) use up water resources.  Is it really THAT bad to get dehydrated?  Let's take a look..

Over the next 12 hours, track when you go "Pee" and it's color!  Then, using what you learned from Hydration Station, track just how hydrated your body is throughout the day.  

Remember to share the questions on the back with your family and then return your log for the Train Like an Astronaut Sticker/Patch!

Excited to see your results...kind of...lol  Remember, do not bring any urine samples to school!  

Cheers,
​Mrs. T

Now that the FSA is over, we are going to look at ways to engineer our bodies and minds to become healthier and more capable.  Our training will align to challenges and activities provided by NASA and the European Space Agency that encourage students all over the world to improve their fitness and nutrition.

Why?  Because right now, it is projected that 8 out of 10 of you will be obese by the Year 2030.  Coach is a great example of staying in shape.  However, as your STEM teacher, I am an example of an adult that is now obese.  I can feel it when I try to move quickly, when I sit and work, but especially in my heart and mind. So together, Coach S and I feel it is important to combine  our strengths and knowledge, in addition to our activity times to help you take a better path.  You will learn how to use the engineering process to improve your health and fitness using exercise, nutrition, and science investigations on your own body!  l

Come join us and challenge yourself to become stronger,flexible, and generally more healthy!

So what is "Train Like An Astronaut?"  Let's take a look...

Welcome to Our ISS project.  Today we will research the countries that compose this amazing international endeavor into human space exploration.  Your mission is to choose a country to represent as you step into the role of space science engineer.  Some of you will be former astronauts, some will be management, design, and more.  It's up to you!

Over the next week you will need to:

• Choose a country of origin and learn how they support the ISS.
• Find an astronaut from that country and review their biography.  What type of education do they have? What activities do they love?  What type of jobs have they held? What experiences do they have listed that you feel made them a strong candidate for becoming part of the ISS team?
• Look up how to say "Hello", "Goodbye," "How are you?" and more in your new language.

Here are some resources to help you get started.

• Train Like an Astronaut:  Along with K-6, you will set goals and take part in this national fitness endeavor.  PE and STEM will link up for a health and fitness program that is OUT OF THIS WORLD! (Couldn't resist.)
• NASA's International Space Station for Students Website: This is where you want to begin.  NASA has designed this site specifically with a student audience in mind.
• NASA's International Space Station Website:  Learn more about the countries that support the ISS, the research conducted, the modules, and more!
• Astronaut Biographies:  It not just the American astronauts listed. You can find information on astronauts from the European Union, Russian (cosmonauts), Japan and more!
• NASA Kid's Club:  Fun games and adventures that take you into the amazing world of NASA and its many roles.
• NASA's Kid Zone:  Videos and more will answer the question: "What is the ISS?"