<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Long term spaceflight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME) seeks to identify the causes of muscle decline in space and test potential therapies to attenuate this in the microscopic worm, <italic>Caenorhabditis elegans</italic>. This is the first UK-led experiment in the almost two-decade history of the International Space Station. We therefore intend to complete significant and widespread educational outreach activities to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to increase engagement with our space life science experiment. This paper describes three education outreach activities relating to MME that are suitable for use in the classroom: (i) observing normal and mutant worms; (ii) observing the effect of unloading (simulation of microgravity); and (iii) handling spaceflight hardware. Activity packs are provided at a starter and advanced level to support these activities. This paper also provides three posters that may be used as learning resources for educators. These posters provide information on: (i) why worms are used for research; (ii) spaceflight human physiology; and (iii) the specifics of the MME. Details of further planned engagement activities are outlined to increase the awareness of the MME.</p></abstract>

Long term spaceflight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME) seeks to identify the causes of muscle decline in space and test potential therapies to attenuate this in the microscopic worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. This is the first UK-led experiment in the almost two-decade history of the International Space Station. We therefore intend to complete significant and widespread educational outreach activities to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to increase engagement with our space life science experiment. This paper describes three education outreach activities relating to MME that are suitable for use in the classroom: (i) observing normal and mutant worms; (ii) observing the effect of unloading (simulation of microgravity); and (iii) handling spaceflight hardware. Activity packs are provided at a starter and advanced level to support these activities. This paper also provides three posters that may be used as learning resources for educators. These posters provide information on: (i) why worms are used for research; (ii) spaceflight human physiology; and (iii) the specifics of the MME. Details of further planned engagement activities are outlined to increase the awareness of the MME.

Worms in Space for Outreach on Earth: Space Life Science Activities for the Classroom

Lancaster Medical School, Furness College

MRC/ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham BRC

Departments of Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering

Gravitational and Space Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Long term spaceflight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME) seeks to identify the causes of...

Worms in Space for Outreach on Earth: Space Life Science Activities for the Classroom

Article Category: Educational Outreach

Published Online: Jul 21, 2020

Page range: 74 - 82

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2018-0011

Keywords
Spaceflight, Education Outreach, Muscle, Space Life Sciences, STEM subjects, Educational Resource, Molecular Muscle Experiment, Worms in Space

© 2018 Christopher J. Gaffney et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Worms in Space for Outreach on Earth: Space Life Science Activities for the Classroom

Article Category: Educational Outreach

Published Online: Jul 21, 2020

Page range: 74 - 82

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2018-0011

KeywordsSpaceflight, Education Outreach, Muscle, Space Life Sciences, STEM subjects, Educational Resource, Molecular Muscle Experiment, Worms in Space

© 2018 Christopher J. Gaffney et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Spaceflight, Education Outreach, Muscle, Space Life Sciences, STEM subjects, Educational Resource, Molecular Muscle Experiment, Worms in Space