Expedition Space Lab
Expedition Space Lab is an online tool from the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab that offers educators easy access to ISS-related lessons and activities across various science areas, highlighting NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration programs with free resources. Content is provided for grade levels K-12.
Lesson Plans
The ISS National Lab provides a variety of engaging STEM lesson plans that leverage the unique context of space. Topics include ant behavior in microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment., the impact of microgravity on bone density, and water filtration systems. Each plan offers hands-on experiences, fostering critical and creative thinking, and deepening students’ understanding of science and space research, making them ideal for inspiring future scientists and engineers.
Education Videos
The ISS National Lab offers educational videos that inspire students in space and STEM fields, allowing them to explore the ISS with astronauts and learn about space research careers. These videos cover topics like hygiene and nutrition in space, engaging students and educators worldwide and deepening their understanding of space science.
ISS History and Timeline
The International Space Station (ISS), a marvel of modern science and engineering, represents the culmination of a decade’s work and over 30 missions by five space agencies from 15 countries. Comparable in size to a football field and weighing 460 tons, the ISS orbits Earth as a testament to human collaboration and ingenuity. Once a figment of science fiction, the concept of a space station materialized with the advent of the Space Age, leading to the first basic model in 1969 and eventually to the ISS’s construction in 1998. Initially reserved for government research, the ISS has now opened its hatches to commercial and academic ventures, offering new realms of possibilities for space-related research and commerce. Explore the creation and history of the ISS in this visual timeline, marking major advancements, breakthroughs, and results.