Speaking of Space

For this chapter, instead of the usual "Speaking of Space" activity where members of your class have been involved in the development of a scientific presentation, you will be asked to break into seven groups to deliver a different kind of presentation. This activity will be somewhat less formal than what you've been asked to do in previous chapters, but it should be very interesting. Here is the new assignment.

For each of the seven graphs of space flight results presented in this chapter (Figures 15, 16, 17, 1 8, 20, 21, and 22) a small group will evaluate the data and the techniques that were used to collect the data in order to answer the following five questions:

1. What does the data in the graph represent?
2. What technique was used to obtain the data?
3. For the technique that was used to obtain the data, what are the different kinds of individual jobs that people had to do to make sure that all the steps were carried out? Which of these jobs seems to be the most fun? Why?
4. Name two other body systems besides the kidneys and endocrine glands that somehow contributed to the body's response that was measured in your data set.
5. Does the data in the graph support or refute the following hypotheses (which were presented earlier)? Explain.

Adaptation of kidney and electrolyte fluid-regulating functions in microgravity occurs in two stages: an acute, rapid stage (hours to days) and an adaptive, longer-term stage (days to weeks).

Hypothesis 2

The overall renal/endocrine adaptation process in space is primarily a general response to a headward shift of body fluids.

Use visual aids to make your presentation more exciting. Your teacher will give you more details about your approach to each question. Whenever possible, let the audience ask questions and make comments. Most of all, have fun.

Good luck!