Astronaut Space School Application

You are very fortunate to be one of the participants chosen to apply to this year’s Astronaut Space School. During this camp you will be fortunate to simulate a space shuttle launch, gain understanding our solar system, learn about and then simulate living and working in Space, forces, the moon, seeing stars and much more. Just some of the questions you will answer through the experiments you will conduct: Can anyone hear you scream in space? Do astronauts grow taller in Space? Does practice make perfect in the Space shuttle?

Points are allotted for each section of the application and this may influence the position you are assigned in our crew of astronauts. Time will be given in class to complete much of this application although you will need to do some at home if you need more time. Also, the Physical Training Portion will require a parent signature. The following is what needs to be included in your application.

Section 1: Essay (20 points)

Funding a manned space program is very expensive and dangerous. On January 28, 1986, 7 astronauts lost their lives when the space shuttle Challenger was destroyed in a tragic accident. On February 1, 2003, another 7 astronauts lost their lives when the space shuttle Columbia re-entered the atmosphere. Many people are wondering why we should continue funding such an expensive and risky program when we have so many problems to solve right here on Earth, problems like overpopulation, deforestation, loss of the ozone layer, global warming, pollution, war, poverty, disease, and so on.

Write an essay explaining why countries should continue funding a manned space program.

(See http://www.rice.edu/armadillo/Simulations/astroap.htm)

Section 2: Problem Solving and Experimental Design (20 points)

Imagine you are exploring the surface of Mars and find a mysterious blue substance attached to the side of a large boulder. You found the substance on the sunlit side of the boulder, and you could not find any of the substance on the dark side of the boulder. You decide to take a sample back to the laboratory for analysis. When you scoop up a portion of the substance, with your little shovel, you notice that it flows like warm syrup.

Design an experiment to determine whether the blue substance is a living organism or not. Include the sections: Problem, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Possible Results and Conclusions. You may use Science textbooks for help.

(See http://www.rice.edu/armadillo/Simulations/astroap.htm)

Section 3: Physical Training (20 points)

Being an astronaut requires excellent health and physical fitness. It also requires independence. This task is to prove that you can independently train for Space. You will need to ask your parent or legal guardian to verify that you do the outlined exercises for 10 consecutive days.

[A chart was given to the students. They needed to do push-ups, crunches and running. Five push-ups were required on Day 1 and increased gradually to twelve. Students were expected to do twenty-five crunches the first day and by the tenth they were doing thirty-five. Finally, students were were asked to run 1.6 km or 1 mile each day for ten days. The time it took to complete the distance was to decrease over the ten day period.]

Please note that to get a total of 10/10 in this part of the application, all days must be completed. Push-ups need to be done with a straight back. Proper technique has been demonstrated in class. Good luck!

Section 4: Classification of the Strange Creatures Caminalcules (20 points)

With the help of a partner, you will help classify the alien creatures Caminalcules. These creatures will be given to you in a set (a mathematical term for a group, a class or a collection). It is your job, with the help of your partner to divide the member into subsets until they are in a subset of their own. You will need to refer to the Caminalcules Classified dossier for more information.

Section 5: Astronaut Self-Portrait (10 points)

You will need to draw yourself as an astronaut. The picture must be in colour but the art medium you choose is up to you.

Section 6: Cover Letter (10 points)

Once you have completed the other tasks, you will need to write a cover letter explaining why you would be an ideal candidate for the Astronaut Space Camp. You will be given help in class as to how to write a cover letter. This is time to boast about your qualities!

Good Luck!