It Came from Outer Space: Everyday Products and Ideas from the Space Program

(Hardback)

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Description

What do anthrax protection, golf clubs and cordless tools all have in common Each was invented or improved with technology first developed for the space programme. Since NASA's inception 45 years ago, hundreds of devices and products have been spun off form the research and development required to put rockets into space and humans on the moon. To expand our knowledge of the universe, scientists and engineers with the space programme must constantly confront new challenges in vehicle design, life support, communication and astronaut health and well-being and the solutions to these challenges often benefit those of us who remain on Earth. This title tells the story of 67 of the most consumer-friendly products that have come out of space-related research. The reference guide makes it easy to discover the fascinating histories of many now commonplace items. One model of ergonomic chairs was designed from the position of astronauts at rest in Skylab. The need to track changes in an astronaut's heart led to improvements in heart-rate monitors. Space technology has even led to improvements in swimsuits and ballpoint pens. The title also includes extensive information on the history of NASA and of the technology transfer centres that help make such product improvements happen, as well as lesson plans and resources.

Reviews

Aimed at high school students, It Came from Outer Space is useful for educators as well....The entries blend information about how the technology was originally developed by the space agency with information on later commercial developments and applications....This book is recommended for the school and public libraries as well as professional teacher's library. It will provide ideas for science projects for students and educators and fascinating reading for all patrons interested in learning about products and ideas generated by the space program.-Booklist/RBB
An intriguing tour of practical science advancements, this text offers an unusual overview of 68 bright ideas culled from NASA....Most interesting to students or noveice teachers, classroom veterans, and science fair participants is a series of lesson plans elucidating aerospace technology. Recommended.-Library Media Connection
It Came from Outer Space: Everyday Products and Ideas from the Space Program is recommended for middle and secondary school libraries, particularly those focusing on the sciences. Teachers will appreciate the lesson plans and students will enjoy viewing the web sites of the agencies, educational institutions and museums as well as trying out some of the experiments.-E-STREAMS
"An intriguing tour of practical science advancements, this text offers an unusual overview of 68 bright ideas culled from NASA....Most interesting to students or noveice teachers, classroom veterans, and science fair participants is a series of lesson plans elucidating aerospace technology. Recommended."-Library Media Connection
"It Came from Outer Space: Everyday Products and Ideas from the Space Program is recommended for middle and secondary school libraries, particularly those focusing on the sciences. Teachers will appreciate the lesson plans and students will enjoy viewing the web sites of the agencies, educational institutions and museums as well as trying out some of the experiments."-E-STREAMS
"Aimed at high school students, It Came from Outer Space is useful for educators as well....The entries blend information about how the technology was originally developed by the space agency with information on later commercial developments and applications....This book is recommended for the school and public libraries as well as professional teacher's library. It will provide ideas for science projects for students and educators and fascinating reading for all patrons interested in learning about products and ideas generated by the space program."-Booklist/RBB

Author Bio

BRUCE H. CHARNOV is Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business Department of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, New York.