ISS National Laboratory

bag of bones lesson

Bone Loss in Space: “Bag of Bones”

Lesson Plan Details

Age Ranges:

  • Elementary
  • Middle School

Subjects:

  • Human Health and Biology
  • Physical Sciences

Cost:

Free

Students learn about factors that affect bone density, including the microgravity environment experienced by Space Station astronauts. They experiment with bags of cereal to make the connection between bone density and bone strength. Published by NASA in 2012. Grades K-8.

Lesson Plan Files

  • PDF

    Bag of Bones

    Following this activity, the student will be able to identify the effects of decreased bone mass (osteoporosis) and describe why healthy bones are important in space and on Earth

    joe acaba recumbent exercise space

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