Jessica Piasecki (@JessCoulson90) and Ian Varley, Nottingham Trent University
Space has captured the imagination of children and adults alike for a number of years. Whether it be the “space race,” the moon landings or the potential of a mission to Mars, the world tends to be captivated by the idea of space flight. This widespread appeal and the potential physiological changes that take place in astronauts during their missions make space an ideal subject to explore in physiology-based outreach sessions.
There are the obvious logistical challenges of conducting space-related outreach sessions on Earth. There is also the lack of an accessible and reasonably priced micro-gravity chamber! So, what methods should we consider when carrying out outreach sessions related to space?
1. Creativity: As we are unable to accurately replicate the conditions an astronaut encounters in space, creativity is important. Fortunately, astronauts encounter various physiological changes in space and therefore conducting a space-related physiology-based outreach session is not as difficult as it first seems. Astronauts suffer from many conditions that directly and indirectly influence physiological functioning including sleep deprivation, impaired cognitive functioning, bone loss, muscle weakening, dehydration, stress, extreme fatigue and chronic pain. Luckily, there is a wealth of physiological research in these areas and therefore, creating a session that can educate and provide insight into the physiological adaptations that occur in space shouldn’t require too much lateral thinking.
2. Simple, clear message: There can be a tendency to want to cover every physiological change that occurs in space during a single outreach session. It is tempting to explain everything from how extreme dehydration leads to kidney stones, how impairment of cognitive function occurs due to the increase in stress-related conditions caused by isolation and how the reduction in gravity causes bone loss and muscle wasting. However, a wide-ranging session covering such diverse subjects is likely to be challenging to deliver and can thus lead to a confusing session being delivered. This will result in lack of engagement and very little new knowledge being transferred to the audience. Explaining the activities using analogies that are relatable to the audience and having a variety of learning aids (audio, visual, doing) are methods in which to achieve knowledge transfer. Having one simple and clear take-home message enables the participants to stand a better chance of remembering why they were doing an activity (sometimes an abstract one) and to become fully engrossed in the subject area, more likely resulting in further learning.
3. Interactive: All outreach sessions should be interactive, however outreach sessions based around space sometimes require a little more thought! Although most children may have imagined what it might be like to go into space, a session filled with ‘imaginary’ activities doesn’t really cause too much excitement. The session should enable participants to touch, move and/or play with the subject area. The hands-on nature of the session will build the participant’s curiosity and lead to questions and learning. It is also important that the children receive feedback on what they have achieved. An interactive session that can’t be quantified as being right/wrong or good/bad quickly loses its appeal.
4. Universal appeal : Sessions should inclusive and enable all participants to be able to take part regardless of ability. Although explaining microgravity by devising an intricate pulley system that winches participants ten feet into the air might sound appealing, it is likely that only the most daring participants would be keen to take part (as well as the continuing question of health and safety!). Creating an activity that is appealing to all children, regardless of their bravery, knowledge and athletic ability is vital.
5. Unique: As physiologists we have access to a plethora of equipment and expertise that most participants would have never witnessed. Be sure to tap into these to ensure the session is memorable and inspirational.