Unit E Lesson 13: Canada's Contributions to International Space Exploration and Observation
Completion requirements
Unit E Lesson 13: Canada's Contributions to International Space Exploration and Observation
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Learning Targets |
Big Question: How has Canada contributed to international space exploration and observation?
Canada isn't one of the largest countries on Earth, but we have a very strong presence in the field of space exploration.
Canada isn't one of the largest countries on Earth, but we have a very strong presence in the field of space exploration.
At the end of this inquiry, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- Who is Chris Hadfield?
- What are four major Canadian technical contributions to space exploration?
- What is the difference between Canadarm and Canadarm2?
- Why are Mark Garneau and Roberta Bondar important?
Pages 460 to 463 in your textbook will help you answer these questions.
Introduction
When the Bank of Canada released new polymer bills into circulation, the $5 bill displayed images of a Canadian astronaut, the Canadarm2, and Dextre, paying tribute to Canada's contribution to space exploration.
Try It!
Practice Worksheet: Space Timeline Organizer
- DOWNLOAD this practice worksheet (S9_UE_S4_L13_timeline). If you prefer to use a Google Drive or PDF
version of the worksheet, click here.
- As you work through the readings and videos in this lesson, use the timeline organizer to track Canada's contributions
to space exploration and observation. To complete the timeline chart, follow the instructions at the top of the timeline organizer.
- When you are satisfied with your responses you can check your work by clicking on the "SUGGESTED ANSWERS" button below.
Wait! Don't view the suggested answers first. This practice work is not for marks, it is meant to help you check your understanding. Check the answers AFTER doing the questions! Keep the practice worksheet for study purposes. If you don't understand something, contact your teacher!
Figure 1 – Where does humans landing on the Moon fit into the timeline of space exploration?
Canada and the Space Race
In the 1960s, the Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in a "Space Race". Each country wanted to be the first to "master" space – the first to send a rocket into space, to send a man into space, to orbit the Earth, and to land on the moon.
Canada has always been a country with a smaller population and fewer resources, but its contribution to human space exploration and research has been exemplary. You can learn more about this by reading pages 460 to 4673 in the Science in Action 9 textbook.
In March 2012, Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS). When he began to communicate with the public from aboard the space station, his photos, videos, and tweets raised the profile of the International Space Station and exposed millions to space travel and the Canadian Space Agency.
In the 1960s, the Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in a "Space Race". Each country wanted to be the first to "master" space – the first to send a rocket into space, to send a man into space, to orbit the Earth, and to land on the moon.
Canada has always been a country with a smaller population and fewer resources, but its contribution to human space exploration and research has been exemplary. You can learn more about this by reading pages 460 to 4673 in the Science in Action 9 textbook.
In March 2012, Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS). When he began to communicate with the public from aboard the space station, his photos, videos, and tweets raised the profile of the International Space Station and exposed millions to space travel and the Canadian Space Agency.
Figure 2 – Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield
Watch
Canada's Space Contributions
Watch the following videos to learn more about the history of Canada's contributions to space exploration, and what our contributions might be in the future.
Watch the following videos to learn more about the history of Canada's contributions to space exploration, and what our contributions might be in the future.