Space Junk

Introduction

By now you are probably saying to yourself, "Space junk?" with a puzzled expression on your face. Have you ever heard of space junk before? If not, then you might also be asking these questions: What is it? Where did it come from? Who put it there? Is it a good thing? Is it bad??? Keep reading to find out the answer to these questions...

Task

This WebQuest is designed to give you the tools and resources to investigate and answer the above questions. Most importantly, we will give you the opportunity to find out what you can do about space junk. You will be divided into groups of three. Each member of the group will be responsible for summarizing the information from two of the six websites provided.

After your group has successfully completed the WebQuest, you will each write your own letter to NASA regarding what you have learned about space junk.

In this letter you will:

1) Explain to NASA the harmful and dangerous effects of space junk;

2) Propose a solution to help clean up and/or manage space junk; and

3) Try to persuade NASA to use your solution.

Process

Your teacher will assign you to a group of three people. Each person will be responsible for filling out their assigned portion of the "Travel Guide." When each member of the group has completed their part of the Travel Guide, rejoin with your group and share your information with the other members. Each of you must complete and fill in your copy of the Travel Guide using each others' information.

1) To begin your journey, click on the following link: Travel Guide, and print off three Travel Guides (one per each person in your group) to help you record information along the way.

2) Each member of the group will assume one of the following roles: Dr. What (explains what makes up space junk), Dr. Why (investigates the problems of space junk), and Dr. How (identifies possible solutions to the problem of space junk).

3) Proceed to the "Resources" portion and follow the links assigned to your role. These links will give you the information needed to complete your portion of the Travel Guide.

4) Regroup, share your information, and fill in the remainder of the Travel Guide.

5) Using the completed Travel Guide each member should begin to compose his/her own letter to NASA.

6) Remember to: A) Explain to NASA the harmful and dangerous effects of space junk; B) Propose a solution to help clean up and/or manage space junk; and C) Try to persuade NASA to use your solution.

Resources

Evaluation

Click on the following links to see how you will be evaluated:

Travel Guide

Letter to NASA

Conclusion

To conclude your travel through the Space Junk WebQuest, we have included an interactive Space Junk Game.

If you want to send your letters to NASA the address is:

2101 NASA Rd. 1

Houston, TX 77058-3607

Acknowledgements

Created by: Lisa Coryell, Kyle Damrow, Jennifer Skubis, and Pete Stuckey.

Special Thanks for Graphics

Thanks to Scott Gottreu and the Space Science Group for the "Nuts and Bolts" graphic. Also thanks to Todd M. Bacastow for the use of his space junk graphic.