Before the end of the year, and before we studied for our numeracy exam at the end of the year we quickly did a short astronomy unit. This was a research project on a topic of our choice.
We started off by downloading a star chart app and looking around our universe. We then went through a worksheet about the position of the moon and sun at different times of the year. This assignment didn’t take too long and was meant to be an intro to the unit. After this, we got right into the project.
We then got the project topics:
- Radioactivity and radiation in space
- Nuclear reactions (how stars work)
- Possibility of colonizing other planets (Mars or the Moon)
- Star life cycles
- Evidence for the big bang formation of the universe
- First nations’ stories of creation
- Components and scale of our solar system
- Telescopes and astronomical measurement
Me and Simon ended up with the topic Radioactivity and radiation in space. We then began our research. Since Spencer and Alex were also doing our topic and they were mainly focusing on radioactivity, we decided to research more about radiation.
Our driving question we decided to research was:
“Does radiation pose a threat to space exploration?
To start off our project, we found the definition of radiation:
We then inserted that into our presentation, and kept researching. We then looked into how space radiation is different and how it can be prevented or blocked. We looked into how the particles in the radiation in Space are travelling at incredibly high speeds, almost as fast as the speed of light. These particles then can rip through human DNA, damaging or altering the structure of that DNA. This damage can then lead to cancer and other diseases depending on the exposure.
We also looked into how Earth blocks out unwanted radiation. The earth has a natural shield to 99.9% of all radiation. The magnetic field around the Earth reflects some radiation in Space, and some is absorbed, warming the earth. Some radiation is trapped inside the magnetic field and is a factor in the rising problem of global warming.
So, to answer our question: “Does radiation pose a threat to space exploration?” The answer is yes, greatly. NASA wants to send astronauts to mars, but the constant lethal factor of radiation in Space is not to be forgotten. When you are in Space, you are constantly bombarded by radiation, and so the radiation protection for any astronauts must be perfect.
Once we were done our project, and we had listened/watched our classmates present their projects, we then made mind maps showing how all our topics connect. Here it is below:
Overall, I found out some new information I didn’t know before like how radiation particles actually damage DNA. This project helped me see how difficult it is to be in space, and how smart and careful every astronaut must be in the space environment. Me and Simon had some fun and learned some new things, which in my book is a good project to me.
Thats all,
See you