NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The information in this document was accurate as of the original publication date.

Audience: Educators & Students
Grades: 3-5


This lesson will help your students answer the question:
Which of the materials provided will block the most simulated space radiation, and be the best material to build a spacecraft?

In this lesson, students will
-- Gather data on space radiation shielding by observing a flashlight beam as it shines through different material.
-- Gather data by measuring, predicting, counting and weighing the materials that will shield simulated space radiation.
-- Analyze the data and select the most protective and lightweight material for a space exploration spacecraft.
-- Develop a conclusion based upon the results of this activity.

Ray Shielding Activity
>  For educators [524KB PDF file]
>  en español

>  For students [456KB PDF file]
>  en español

The Ray Shielding Activity is the lesson that accompanies What Would You Hear in a Weather Report From Mars?, one of the topics in the 21st Century Explorer series. Each exploration topic in NASA's Kids Science News Network™ 21st Century Explorer series has a 30-second newsbreak videoclip, online Web explanation (background information), hands-on activity guide based on national education standards, online glossary and quiz.

All components of What Would You Hear in a Weather Report From Mars? are available on the 21st Century Explorer topic page  →.

Also in this series:
Those Who Have Come Before Me Activity
Food For Spaceflight Activity
Get a Leg Up Activity
Speed It Up Activity
Designing a Crew Exploration Vehicle Activity
What's Hidden Inside Activity
Moon Mining Activity
Let's Investigate Mars Activity
Cleaning Water Activity
Making Regolith Activity
Cool Suits Activity