Everyday Gloves

The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity. It will take about 40 minutes to prepare for this activity. 

• Post the EDP Poster. 
• Get the Messages from the Duo ready. 
• Watch and prepare to play the NASA Spacesuit Development video. 
• Copy Stations 1–3 (Educator Guide pp. 25–29). 
• Set up stations (Educator Guide pp. 22–23). 

Which gloves work best for everyday tasks?

• Explore the features of different gloves and how they perform in a series of challenges. 
• Explore the concept of space hazards and spacesuit design. 

Group management strategies:

• Make bold labels for materials table
• Make bags of materials for each group rather than a materials table
• Rotate groups through stations
• Designate a volunteer to help other groups with testing and reset

Many people wear gloves at work for protection from occupational hazards. Surgeons wear latex or nitrile gloves, electrical workers wear fire-resistant gloves, and professional athletes even wear gloves, like baseball mitts. Animals use different materials to protect them from hazards in their environments too, like scales, feathers, blubber, and fur.

• Group management strategies: 
  • Make bold labels for Materials Table. 
  • Make bags of materials for each group rather than a Materials Table. 
  • Rotate groups through stations. 
  • Designate a volunteer to help other groups with testing and reset. 

Hazard: a source of danger