In 1895, Konstantin Tiolkovsky proposed the concept of a space elevator. It's now over 100 years later and scientists working toward the concept still aren't sure it is possible. The video explains the concept, the benefit, and the many remaining challenges.

Concepts

space exploration, space travel, engineering design

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• List other concerns about a space elevator that weren't mentioned in the video
• Determine the current cost to send a payload to the International Space Station and calculate how long it would take to pay off just the building of the elevator

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of orbit, gravity, and basic physics

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Requires very little class time
• Works well in a traditional or a flipped classroom

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4