Real World: Physically Fit on Earth and Beyond
Staying fit isn't just important for you - it's critical for astronauts gearing up for demanding spaceflights! This Real World video features Corey Twine, a conditioning specialist from NASA's Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) group, sharing how he helps astronauts stay strong for life in reduced gravity and their return to Earth's 1G environment.
Share this episode with your learners and encourage them to write about what they learn by answering these questions:
Discussion and Writing Prompts:
Picture someone exercising. Would this exercise work muscles the same way on Earth as in space? What might you need to do to modify the exercise for similar results?
Why is physical fitness important?
What effect does gravity have on our bodies as we exercise on Earth?
What does an astronaut workout look like on Earth before going into space?
How does going into a reduced gravity environment impact our physical activity?
How do astronauts maintain their strength while in reduced gravity environments?
What does an astronaut workout look like once an astronaut returns to Earth after time in space?
Background Information
Grades 6 through 8
- The Lunar and Planetary Institute Effects of Space on the Human Body
Grades 6 through 12
- NASA Experiments to Unlock How Human Bodies React to Long Space Journeys
- NASA Human Body in Space Infographic
- NASA Living in Space
- NASA The Human Body in Space
Activities
Grades 6 through 8
- Science TREK Muscle Games
- NASA Train Like an Astronaut: Adapted Physical Activity Strategies
Grades 6 through 12