The astronauts aboard the International Space Station are trying to protect themselves from the worst solar flare ever recorded. The Storm Team calculates x-ray and proton readings to predict when the storm will cause problems for the ISS. The Radiation Team continually calculates the radiation levels from two TEPC monitors in various locations on the space station. The Life Support Team calculates the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the cabin and makes recommendations to keep those levels normal. The Crisis Management Team monitors all systems on board to ensure the astronauts are safe.  Crisis Management also tracks the power load and the battery reserves available to ensure the safety of the crew.  Recommendations are made to shield the astronauts from the harmful radiation, to keep the life support systems in balance, and to ensure the International Space Station has enough power to get through an eclipse as it weathers this solar storm. The Communication Team keeps Mission Control informed about the status of the station and relays recommendations from all teams.

 

What is an eMission?

 

e-Missions™ are simulated, problem-based, learning adventures delivered right into the classroom via distance learning technology. With the use of the internet and video conferencing equipment, these “live” scenarios are conducted in your classroom by a Flight Director at Mission Control from the Challenger Learning Center at Wheeling Jesuit University.

 

e-Missions are great tools for teachers to motivate students to learn math and science while at the same time meeting standards and objectives in the classroom. Each e-Mission provides a website with standards-based materials, activities, and lesson plans to help you prepare your students pre-mission. The website also provides all the mission materials needed for the culminating “live” event on mission day.

 

The e-Mission is a student-centered, team-based, interactive educational experience that uses scientifically accurate data to solve problems.  Your class will assemble as an emergency response team and then connect via technology to the Flight Director at Mission Control. All teams work together with Mission Control to handle the problem situation as the scenario unfolds. Every few minutes, new data is received in the classroom via satellite and your teams perform calculations, create graphs, and assess the situation. The expert teams in your class then make recommendations to Mission Control based on their analysis.

 

On mission day, your class will turn into a hub of activity as your students use team work, communication, and problem solving skills to avoid disasters and save lives. Research indicates that this way of learning leads to improved critical-thinking skills. The impact of this fast-paced, engaged learning environment will help you create life-long learners in your classroom.

Please scroll down to see pictures of this exciting event.