Radiation and Human Health

Issued by Texas State University Continuing Education

The major goal of NASA’s Space Radiation Project is to enable human exploration of space without exceeding an acceptable level of risk from exposure to space radiation. Space radiation is detrimental to both biological and mechanical systems and is a major consideration for human space exploration. Radiation studies on living organisms have benefited from individuals like Henrietta Lacks - an African American woman who has made many findings possible. Time Required to Complete ~4 hours.

Type Learning
Level Foundational
Time Hours
Cost Free

Additional Details

Skills

Earning Criteria

(1) Explore NASA resources (Space Faring: Radiation Challenge Modules) that could be useful for the development of lessons on radiation and human health. (2) Examine historical information about Henrietta Lacks and explain how cultural connections can be made in science curricula and lessons using the life and experiences of individuals such as Henrietta Lacks. (3) Demonstrate understanding of content covered in this badge by completing a quiz.

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS/MS-LS1-1 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins; HS/MS-LS3-1 Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.