Using Tim Peake in the classroom

With the release of Star Wars as well as Tim Peake's mission to the International Space Station, the children in my class (and probably yours) are totally obsessed with space.  After watching the launch and signing up to TES's Live Link on the 2nd February (if you haven't done so already make sure you do by clicking here) plus the interest surrounding his space walk today, Tim Peake has already inspired so many children to learn more about space.  We need to tap into that enthusiasm.

The following links all allow you to see what Tim Peake has and will continue to see, as you can virtually explore the ISS, the stratosphere, views of the Earth and much more.  By allowing your children to explore and imagine what life as an astronaut is like, it should inspire them to produce some amazing writing.  Whether it's a diary entry as Tim, a story about a space mission or a description of the views in space, there are so many possibilities and I am sure your children will be enthused and excited.  The following links are also all iPad friendly, so children could even take screen shots to make storyboards, import them into Book Creator or make a slideshow/movie with voice over.  You could even use some of the videos and tours as a green screen backdrop.  There is so much potential. 

Virtual tour of the ISS http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/virtual-tour-iss/

Live stream from the ISS http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/HDEV/

Follow the ISS in real time and see Tim Peake's view live. 

Virtual tour of the Discovery space shuttle http://360vr.com/2012/02/16/discovery-flight-deck_2193/

Whilst this doesn't have as much to do with Tim Peake, it's still a great tour that really gives you an insight into what life as an astronaut is like. 

Stratosphere AirPano http://www.airpano.ru/files/Stratosphere/m-2

Obviously not as high above the Earth as the ISS but this panorama still gives you some brilliant views.

Soyuz rocket launch AirPano http://www.airpano.ru/files/Rocket/m-2

Again, not specifically Tim Peake but still an interesting and engaging panorama. 

NASA interactive content, videos and pictures http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/mmgallery/index.html#.VplATHrfWK2

Lots of brilliant content here, from interactive tours to stunning photographs and videos of recent missions and operations. 

Please let me know if you use any of the ideas here or if you have any that I haven't mentioned!

Thanks, 

Tom

@teach_fresh