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Space Stations — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS1-3
MS-ETS1-1

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This informational science reading passage for grades 6-8 explores the complex systems and technology behind space stations, focusing on their role in sustaining long-term human presence in orbit. Students will learn about the International Space Station (ISS), its construction, international crew, and the unique scientific research conducted in microgravity. The passage describes how astronauts live and work in space, the development of new commercial and national stations like China's Tiangong, and the importance of these platforms for future Moon and Mars missions. It aligns with NGSS standards MS-ESS1-3 and MS-ETS1-1, emphasizing systems thinking, scientific processes, and engineering design. The resource includes a glossary, comprehension questions, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and both standard and simplified Spanish translations. Audio integration supports a range of learning styles, making this passage ideal for diverse middle school classrooms.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Mars space station" by Wikideas1 /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Space stations are among humanity’s greatest engineering achievements. Orbiting about 400 kilometers above Earth, the International Space Station (ISS) is a unique platform where humans can live and work in space for long periods. Space stations solve the challenge of supporting life in the harsh environment of space, enabling scientists to perform research that is impossible on Earth. They also serve as testing grounds for new technologies and provide critical experience for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Living and Working in Microgravity

On the ISS, astronauts experience microgravity, a condition where the force of gravity is much weaker than on Earth. This environment affects the human body in many ways, such as causing muscles and bones to weaken over time. To stay healthy, astronauts exercise for more than two hours each day. They sleep in small bags attached to the walls to prevent floating, and their food is often dehydrated and needs water added before eating. Even going to the bathroom is different—special toilets use suction instead of gravity to collect waste. The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, which means astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.

International Collaboration and Construction

The ISS is the largest structure ever built in space, stretching 109 meters long and weighing about 420,000 kilograms. It was assembled in orbit from 1998 to 2011, with parts launched by rockets from several countries. The crew usually includes six or seven astronauts from different nations, showing the power of international cooperation. Each module of the ISS has a specific function, such as laboratories for experiments, living quarters, or control centers. This modular design allows new parts to be added or replaced over time, making the station adaptable to new scientific needs.

Science, Technology, and the Future

Research on the ISS covers many fields, including biology, physics, and Earth science. Scientists conduct experiments on how plants grow without gravity, how materials behave in space, and how the human body changes over months in orbit. The ISS also observes Earth, providing valuable data on weather, climate, and natural disasters. China’s Tiangong station, launched in 2022, is a newer platform for similar research and international crews. By 2030, the ISS is planned to retire, and commercial stations like Axiom and Orbital Reef are being developed. These space stations are stepping stones for building the Gateway station near the Moon and for sending humans to Mars.

Space stations demonstrate how science, engineering, and international collaboration can overcome extreme challenges. They are essential for understanding how humans can live beyond Earth and for preparing for the next era of space exploration.

Interesting Fact: The ISS travels around Earth at about 28,000 kilometers per hour—fast enough to circle the planet every 90 minutes!

What is the main purpose of space stations like the ISS?

To allow humans to live and work in space for long periodsTo visit other planetsTo store satellitesTo study only the Moon

How often does the ISS circle the Earth?

Every 24 hoursEvery 90 minutesOnce a weekEvery 12 hours

Which of the following is a new space station launched by China?

AxiomGatewayTiangongOrbital Reef

What does 'microgravity' mean as used in the passage?

A place with no airA condition where gravity is much weaker than on EarthA type of space foodA special space tool

What is the function of modules on the ISS?

They are parts of the station for different purposes like experiments or living quartersThey are small robots that clean the ISSThey generate electricity for the stationThey are the food storage rooms

Why do astronauts exercise for over two hours a day on the ISS?

To pass timeBecause there is nothing else to doTo keep their muscles and bones strong in microgravityTo prepare for spacewalks

What is one way the ISS is adaptable for new scientific needs?

It can move to other planetsModules can be added or replaced over timeIt has wheels for movementIt can change its color

True or False: The ISS orbits Earth every 24 hours.

TrueFalse

True or False: The ISS is used only by astronauts from one country.

TrueFalse

What is one broader goal for building and learning from space stations?

To prepare for missions to the Moon and MarsTo live in the oceanTo watch meteor showersTo create new sports