Teacher:
Debra Hendry
School:
JHS 144 Michelangelo
Email:
dhendry@schools.nyc.gov
INTRODUCTION
A society or culture is
judged on the priorities and goals it sets for itself. In difficult economic times, the debate about
what we as a society should focus on is especially vigorous. Should
the International Space Station be abandoned and/or astronauts left
stranded? Should satellites and
telescopes be left unrepaired when they malfunction? Can we, as a society, afford to not think
about the debris and space junk we have created and that will eventually fall
back to Earth?
“Is
it ethical to explore when there is so much that needs to be done on Earth? This is a public policy question, but I would
point out that it is always tempting to sacrifice long-term goals for short
term needs. For its part, the
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/Why_We_01pt2.html
In light of
recent science budget cuts and canceled missions, space exploration is often
one of the first government expenditures to be targeted — but I'd argue space
exploration is critical to our future… We already see tangible benefits for
developing space technology, ultimately resolving issues down here on Earth and
enriching all our lives. Water purification techniques that were developed for
space exploration are being used in third-world countries, ultimately
preventing disease and saving lives… The environmental benefits are
wide-ranging, as satellites in orbit provide valuable data about how our
atmosphere is evolving. Data from studies of other planetary atmospheres in the
solar system help us to understand ours.
Space Exploration: At What Cost? Apr 9, 2011 03:00 AM ET // by Mark Thompson
http://news.discovery.com/space/history-of-space/space-exploration-cost-110408.htm
TASK
A public policy is a government
action usually intended to deal with a social problem. Every day policies are
enacted in your school, city, state, country and throughout the world that will
affect your life.
After completing your research on
space exploration, you will write a position paper and make a presentation to
your classmates. The presentation must
include a visual display. The display
can be composed of data charts, graphs, posters, a collage, or PowerPoint
presentation.
You
must address the following topics in your position paper:
1. Identify at least 5 problems
associated with ending space exploration.
2.
Take a position about whether or not
space exploration should be funded and how best to finance it. Support your argument with facts gathered
during your research.
3.
Discuss how public policy could be
changed to implement your recommendations.
4.
You should understand the current
public policy regarding space exploration and make recommendations to change or improve the
policy. (This is very important!)
PROCESS
To
complete the task, you will need to follow the steps below:
1.
Form a group of 4 people.
2.
Assign specific responsibilities
(researching, writing, presenting, creating visual display, etc.) to each
member.
3.
Use the “RESOURCE LINKS” located in the RESOURCES SECTION below to help you find data and solutions.
4.
Go online to the PPA website and
complete the 6 worksheets for the PPA process.
http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/ppaqe.html
Submit
copies of the completed worksheets to the teacher.
5.
Use the information developed
through the PPA process to write your position paper and create your visual
display.
STUDENT RESOURCES
PRIVATE
SPACE COMPANIES
GENERAL
INFORMATION
http://www.space.com/2401-space-access-private-investment-public-funding-debate.html
http://borderlessnewsandviews.com/2012/11/nasas-role-in-space-private-vs-public-space-exploration/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/08/nasa_private_space_nasa/
http://www.classzone.com/science_book/mls_grade7_FL/695_698.pdf
http://www.space-exploration.org/?page_id=12
http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/space_exploration/benefits.page
http://www.spacepolitics.com/2011/07/29/the-roles-of-nasa-and-the-private-sector-in-space/
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703382904575059350409331536.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703382904575059263418508030.html
http://www1.dcsdk12.org/secondary/dchs/docs/245856.pdf
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/index.html
http://www.bitrebels.com/geek/22-reasons-to-explore-outer-space/
http://www.airspacemag.com/space-exploration/Uncommentary.html
http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/waynehalesblog/posts/post_1239387201344.html
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/griffin_why_explore.html
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/griffin_why_explore.html
http://martianchronicles.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/nine-good-reasons-for-space-exploration/
EVALUATION
|
|
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Issue Defined |
Issue clearly defined in one paragraph |
Issue clearly defined in 3-4 sentences |
Issue defined but not clearly |
Issue not defined |
|
Evidence Gathered |
Evidence gathered from 5-6 sources,
clearly defined |
Evidence gathered from 3-4 sources,
clearly defined |
Evidence gathered from 2-3 sources,
not clearly defined |
Evidence gathered from one source ,
not clearly defined |
|
Public Policy |
Existing public policy stated and evaluated
in depth |
Existing public policy stated and
evaluated |
Existing public policy briefly stated,
but not evaluated |
No existing public policy evaluated |
|
Possible Solutions |
5 or more possible solutions developed |
3-4 possible solutions developed |
1-2 possible solutions developed |
No solution developed |
|
Selected Solution |
More than one solution selected and
clearly explained |
Solution selected and clearly
explained |
Solution selected but not clearly
explained |
No solution selected |
|
Oral Presentation |
Extremely well organized presentation
with many supporting accompanying visuals. Factually correct |
Well organized presentation with some
accompanying visuals. Few inaccuracies in information |
Somewhat organized presentation with minimal accompanying
visuals. Some inaccuracies in information |
Poorly organized presentation with
without accompanying visuals. Many inaccuracies in information |
STANDARDS
Math,
Science, Technology
Standard
1 - Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students
will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to
pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard
2 - Information Systems
Students will
access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate
technologies.
Information Systems
|
Key Idea 1
Information
technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information and as a
tool to enhance learning. |
English Language Arts
Standard 1 - Language for Information and Understanding
Students
will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding - As
listeners and readers, students will collect data, facts, and ideas; discover
relationships, concepts, and generalizations; and use knowledge generated
from oral, written, and electronically produced texts. As speakers and
writers, they will use oral and written language to acquire, interpret,
apply, and transmit information. |
Standard 4 - Language for Social Interaction
Students
will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction - Students will use
oral and written language for effective social communication with a wide
variety of people. As readers and listeners, they will use the social
communications of others to enrich their understanding of people and their
views.
CONCLUSION
Public policy plays an important role in our
life. You should be able to evaluate
current public policy and be able to make recommendations for improvement.
From this lesson, you should become aware of the
issues related to space exploration and its impact on society. You should
also gain some insight into the complex decision making process government and
private industry must engage in when developing goals and budgets.
