THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 2, 1997 TAG: 9612310221
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 58 lines
ERIK ALVAREZ took a step into the future as he donned a replica NASA space suit - and walked across a classroom at Lakeland High School.
Erik, 15, is a freshman in an earth science class taught by Amy Herrmann , and his simulated moon walk was part of a curriculum unit Herrmann designed to focus on space careers and the technology needed for space colonization.
``We took a project approach to studying a real planet and a possible real situation instead of just studying something about all the planets,'' Herrmann said.
With the recent launch of a space probe to Mars, Herrmann is convinced that, after the moon, Mars is the next logical planet for space exploration and development. Nodding toward her class, Herrmann explained, ``This generation could be involved in the program because, in the future, rather than sending astronauts, we will be sending construction workers and mechanics to build colonies.'' Also going, she said, will be nutritionists, botanists and hydroponists.
The Martian study also enabled Herrmann's students to apply their investigative skills and creativity.
Erik and his classmates spent two weeks investigating space travel, careers, and the possibility of colonizing Mars. They studied the physical characteristics of Mars, conducted soil and water experiments, designed space ships and brainstormed what life might be like in a colony on Mars.
Most intriguing of the projects, however, was the chance to actually suit up like an astronaut. Herrmann borrowed the replica suit through NASA's traveling exhibits program. And for two days, the students, and other teachers, handled and tried on the bulky outfit.
While the replica suit is styled almost identically to an actual suit used by astronauts, it lacks the electronic equipment and oxygen tanks that would bring the weight of a real suit to the hefty 400 pound range. The replica suit weighs in at about 20 pounds.
``It is meant to give you the feeling of wearing and moving about in a real suit,'' Marion Kidwell said. Kidwell is NASA Langey's traveling exhibits manager.
Inspired by the limitations of the suit, Herrmann's classes sketched ideas for the ideal space suit.
Brian Jackson, a sophomore, wanted to create a suit of a much lighter but more durable fabric. ``Something easy to get around in and comfortable,'' he said. ``After I saw the NASA suit, I had more ideas about what to use and not to use.''
Some students, like freshman Lori Pruitt, went for the designer look. Lori dreamed up a fashionable purple, blue and gray suit with a velcro belt and automatic dust-off system. Her classmates contributed ideas of built-in VCRs, CD players, and food bars that resembled high-tech picnic baskets. ``Remember these are teen-agers,'' Herrmann said.
The unit so captivated Erik's class that they planned a holiday celebration with a space motif, a Martian food sampling lab. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Erik Alvarez tries on a replica NASA spacesuit at Lakeland High
School.