WEEK 3

The Physiological Needs of the People

OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiological parameters of an orbital space settlement. To write an outline of the project.

CONTENT AREAS: The interdependence of organisms. Matter, energy, and organization in living systems. Environmental quality.

In this lesson you will decide on the main parameters of your design:

• How many people would live in your Space Settlement?
• Learn about Closed Environment Life Support Systems: CELSS
• Analyze the physiological needs (life support systems)

Now that you have an idea what this project is all about, it is time for taking care of the people that are going to live in your space settlement. First, write on a piece of paper what you need to live. Some of the things that may not come to your mind immediately is gravity, and shielding from radiation. At this point you should investigate the physiological needs of the people and where are you going to get the necessary materials:

Study the past, current and near future regenerative life support systems.

Related Links:

• Food
• Water
• Air
• Gravity
• Materials
• Energy
• Shielding

GROUP ACTIVITIES

• PROJECT LEADER: Makes sure the previous assignments are complete and assigns new tasks. Leads the group to decide on population, the geometry of the settlement, and the location of the settlement. Shows the outline to the teacher and gets approval. Enters the activities in planning form.
• SCIENTIST: Jointly with the researcher begins to outline about meeting the basic needs of the people that are going to live in the settlement. Studies ways to recycle water, air and other resources.
• ARTIST: Begins to put more details in the rough sketches from week 2, including interior views. The artist begins to illustrate areas where food will be grown, residential and industrial areas.
• RESEARCHER: Locates sources for oxygen, water, building materials in the Solar System
• TASKMASTER: Collects the research materials in a binder and types an outline of the project.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Project leader assigns tasks using planning form
• Explore the Space Settlement Designer's Site
• Do initial calculations to explore alternatives.
• Decide what you need to know, and do for the successful completion of the project.
• Produce outline of the project
  1. Introduction
  2. Main points of the report
  3. Summary
• Take the Quiz for Week 3

Teacher Led Activities:

• Interdependence Lesson Plan
• Ecosystems Lesson Plan
• Lung capacity

Author: Tugrul Sezen
sezen@nas.nasa.gov

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