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Microgravity Experiment Design

Water Movement in Different (Lunar) Regolith Simulants Part 2

This is the second in a series of experiments comparing water movement in regolith simulants in reduced and microgravity environments. During the first set of experiments, students tested the rate of water intake in these different simulants, tracking water movement and finding that though the water intake increased in the Mars regolith simulant and the VEGGIE growth medium, almost no movement was seen in the lunar regolith simulant (JSC-1A). Ms. Tomlin had the opportunity to test these student experiments in different microgravity environments aboard a 0-g flight. This project allows students to investigate regolith behavior on Earth, as well as consider its behavior off world.   

Grade Level: Cross Grade Curriculum

Embedded Teacher Workshop 2022-23

The Embedded Teacher Workshop 2022-23, held at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, focuses on microgravity and experimental design.

NSS Master Teacher Lynne F. Zielinski, also the National Space Society Vice President of Education, leads this workshop.

Grade Level: Cross Grade Curriculum

Water Movement in Different Simulants Part 1

This is the first in a series of experiments comparing water movement in Lunar regolith simulant, Mars regolith simulant and ISS-VEGGIE growth substrate inside and outside of microgravity environments. Students learn to understand the effects of these environments on capillary action, or upwards water movement, as well as the mechanics of force and motion and the influence of gravity on water diffusion. Ms. Tomlin had the opportunity to test these student experiments in different microgravity environments aboard a 0-g flight. This project allows students to investigate regolith behavior on Earth, as well as consider its behavior off world. 

Grade Level: Cross Grade Curriculum