Curated OER
Suited for Space
A fantastic lesson on survival in outer space should excite your learners! Pupils explore the challenges that living, working, and surviving in space elicit. They focus on the spacesuit itself; how it protects astronauts, and enables...
NASA
Nasa: The History of Spacesuits
This small collection of questions and answers addresses the history of spacesuits, from the original suits to what future suits will be like.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Astronauts in Hard Hats: Challenges of Working in Space
This media-rich series of interviews from the NOVA: "Stationed in the Stars" Web site explores the unique challenges faced by astronauts doing construction work in outer space.
NASA
Nasa: Apollo Lunar Surface Journal: Portable Life Support System
This site provides detailed technical diagrams of space suit components and very detailed explanations of how the Apollo Moon suits worked. Detailed close-up photographs of parts of the space suit are provided. You could probably build...
Other
Encyclopedia Astronautica: Manned Spacecraft
An index of all major manned missions into space. A great resource and starting point.
NASA
Nasa: Cool Suits Activity
"Which color, black or white, reflect energy?" "Which color absorbs energy better?" Through this activity, students will find the answers to these questions, and they will then be able to relate their findings to the construction of...
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Space Wardrobe (Level 1)
What would you wear if you went to space? Your bags are already packed for you. Get a brief description of the different outfits worn by astronauts in space. Includes pictures of different spacesuits.
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Space Wardrobe Level2
What is the "space fashion" today? Use this site to view pictures and find out what astronauts wear in space. Printable version available.
Other
The Space Race
Although the space race was originally a competition between two Cold War foes,it ultimately resulted in many benefits for the people of the Earth. Find information on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, and Soviet space programs,...
NASA
Nasa: Spacewalking
Several questions about "spacewalking" and the requirement that the astronaut wear a space suit are discussed.
NASA
Nasa: Two Special Girls Use Nasa Spacesuit Technology
Seeking a broader use for spacesuit technology, Johnson Space Center scientists work with two girls who have "xeroderma pigmentosum", a disease that prevents them from tolerating exposure to sunlight or even bright indoor lighting. Using...
NASA
Nasa: Suiting Up for Space
Suiting up for Space describes some of the events surrounding the development of the Mercury Program generation space suit. Historical information and some of the details of suit construction are included. An extensive bibliography is...
NASA
Nasa: What Is a Spacesuit?
This small collection of questions and answers introduces students to spacesuits: what they are, how they help astronauts, and what their important parts are. View two photos, and follow links to FAQs about spacesuit use, construction,...
NASA
Nasa Star Child: Star Child
StarChild from NASA defines and describes the Solar System in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. The website is broken down into two versions for the student, grade school and junior high.
Other
Space Crew Protective Equipment
The David Clark Company outlines the history of their "Crew Protective Equipment". Good images and information on their suits is available here. Information is available on the following equipment.Anti-G Suits used by allied fighter...
PBS
Pbs Nova: Historic Space Suits
It sounds odd to think of some space suits as actually being historic! But we've been traveling in outer space for quite sometime and space suits were bound to change. Here is an interactive on the different aspects of space travel garb...