FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORION’S QUEST (OQ)

•  Why should I get my students involved in an OQ mission?

OQ missions are unique in having students contribute data related to scientists conducting research on the International Space Station.  Each mission gives students a glimpse of the importance of doing research in a different environment,  microgravity.  In the words of one OQ teacher, “I’m so glad that we participated in the mission because instead of using this project as an application after learning the concepts, I used it as a guide for the concepts that were unfolding in class.”  It’s a great way to enhance your curriculum.

• How long is a typical OQ mission?

About 3-5 class periods.

•  How do I know if the activity is appropriate from my grade level?

Missions are designed to fit the abilities of a range of grades and are denoted in the mission description.  Typically materials are designed for upper elementary, middle, and high school and in some cases missions are appropriate for 2 different groups i.e. middle and high school.

•  Do I have to do a mission at a certain time in the year?

No, but depending on NASA launch schedules current or “live” missions may only be available during a specific semester of a school year.  All “virtual” mission are available year round.

•  What’s the difference between a “live” and a “virtual” mission?

Live missions are based on research currently on the ISS while virtual missions continue to use original research from an experiment that no longer resides on the ISS.

•  Are OQ missions standards based?

Yes, all missions are correlated with national standards.

•  Is there a cost to participate?

There is no cost for teachers to participate due to the generous support of our funding sponsors.

•  My curriculum is so packed I don’t know if I could fit a mission in.

OQ missions are short, completely flexible and able to be inserted where they make sense in your curriculum.