Suited for Spacewalking pdf - Virtual Astronaut

and assemble PVC water pipe parts underwater.Make a weighted panel that has bolts protrudingfrom it.Use a chrome steel wrench to try to turn thebolts while free floating in the water. Make toolsappear weightless by attaching a string to the handlesand to empty two liter soft drink bottles.Invitea local SCUBA shop to participate in the activity.The shop owners might be willing to supply diveequipment and serve as safety divers during thesimulation.13.Design A ToolHave students design and construct a prototypemultipurpose tool for use on spacewalks. The toolshould combine the functions of single purposetools such as hammers,screw drivers, wrenches,etc.The tool should also make provisions for attachmentto tethers and easy gripping.14. TorquePlace a student on a swivel office chair or on arotating platform like a child's Sit and Spin®. Havetwo other students hold a 2 by 4, with a bolt partiallyscrewed into it, over the first student.The firststudent will find it difficult to turn the bolt with awrench without spinning as well. Relate this to thechallenges astronauts have on spacewalks whenthey try to do a similar job. To turn a bolt or moves ome massive object in space, an astronaut isattached to a stable work platform.15.Glove WorkUse rubber-coated work gloves from a hardwarestore to demonstrate the importance of spacesuitgloves that are comfortable to wear. Have studentsattempt to screw a bolt into a nut or assemble plasticsnap toys into a structure. Discuss how thesegloves can be improved to make them easier to use.16. Neutral BuoyancyA s t ronauts simulate micro g ra v i ty for spacesuittraining in a deep swimming pool.Their spacesuitsare specially weighted to produce neutral buoyancy.Suited for Spacewalking An Activity Guide for Technology Education, Mathematics, and Science, EG-1998-03-112-HQ • 9 3