Lesson Plan: A "Big Arm" in Space

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

Write the term "payload" on the board or chart paper. Have students define the term and discuss the types of satellites orbiting Earth, such as communication, GPS, spy, weather, research, and astronomical.

Set up two columns: Shuttles and Non-reusable Rockets. Brainstorm the advantages of each, reminding students that the shuttle can be reused while non-reusable rockets have to be constructed for each payload. If the students don't mention it, factor in the cost of using human beings in space as opposed to unstaffed flights.

Outline the Opportunity

Direct students to the topic Canadarm: A Technology Star on the CBC Digital Archives website. Have students review the clips, including the Did You Know? sections. Students should take notes on the clips and prepare a flowchart showing the history of Canadarm, including its uses and improvements over the years. Encourage students to include diagrams and sketches in their flowcharts.

Revisit and Reflect

Have students pair up and present their flowcharts to each other. Students then write a critical evaluation of their partner's flowchart in terms of completeness and organization. Pairs discuss the evaluations and make any changes necessary to their flowcharts.

Extension

Students can review the clip titled "After the explosion" and discuss whether the usefulness of the Canadarm and the shuttle outweigh the cost to the program in terms of human lives lost. Students can express their feelings on the topic in their journals.