Lesson Aim
Students watch a video about the International Space Station and practise language for scientific research, microgravity, space exploration, technology benefits and international collaboration.
Before watching
- Why is the International Space Station useful for science?
- What can scientists study in space that is difficult to study on Earth?
- How can space research help people on Earth?
Prep Part 1
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
using the most advanced technology availableit makes new scientific findings possible.make new scientific discoveries possiblecondition where gravity seems very weakit uses the most advanced technology available.Watch Part 1
Watch from 0:00 to about 0:54. Focus on the ISS as a laboratory, microgravity and how liquids, fire and biological systems behave differently.
Open Part 1 on YouTubeComprehension 1
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 1
The ISS is a state-of-the-art microgravity .
Scientists are answering big about Earth and space.
Liquids behave completely .
Biological systems reveal .
Options
retailersurprisesdifferentlyquestionslaboratoryPrep Part 2
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
position that gives a good viewthey spend a long time away from Earth.mission that lasts a long timen orbit relatively close to Earthit provides a position with a useful view.Watch Part 2
Watch from about 0:54 to the end. Focus on human health, moon and Mars missions, Earth benefits, climate monitoring, the space economy and collaboration.
Open Part 2 on YouTubeComprehension 2
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 2
Research helps keep crew members safe and .
The ISS tests technologies critical to future .
Space research has medical and social .
The ISS is one of the largest international of our time.
Options
strongcollaborationsbenefitsmissionsmeatballsVocabulary Review
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| state-of-the-art | using the most modern technology | The ISS is a state-of-the-art laboratory. |
| microgravity | a condition where gravity seems very weak | Microgravity changes how liquids behave. |
| deep space | space far beyond Earth orbit | The ISS helps us push farther into deep space. |
| long-duration mission | a mission that lasts a long time | Scientists study how to keep astronauts safe on long-duration missions. |
| international collaboration | work done by people or organisations from different countries | The ISS is a major international collaboration. |
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions
The ISS helps us push farther deep space.
Scientists are finding out how bodies react life in space.
Research contributes benefits on Earth.
The space economy is opening new opportunities.
The video invites us to come for the ride.
Options
upalongtoovertointoCollocations
microgravity
biological
long-duration
clean water
international
Options
systemsstrategytechnologieslaboratorycollaborationmissionsB2/C1 Grammar: Relative Clauses for Science and Innovation
This section practises relative clauses for describing research, technology, places and benefits.
Grammar Section 1: Defining Relative Clauses
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Complete: “The ISS is a laboratory ___ scientists can study microgravity.”
2. Which sentence is best?
Grammar Section 2: Relative Clauses in Context
The ISS is a platform international teams carry out research.
Astronauts live in space help scientists understand the human body.
Microgravity is a condition changes how liquids and fire behave.
Earth observation is research supports climate monitoring.
Options
wherewhichthatwhosewhoGrammar Section 3: Speaking Task
| Relative pronoun | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | people | Astronauts who live on the ISS contribute to medical research. |
| which/that | things/ideas | Research that happens in microgravity can reveal surprises. |
| where | places/platforms | The ISS is a place where science happens in orbit. |
| whose | possession/connection | A mission whose goal is Mars needs reliable life-support technology. |
Thought-Provoking Questions
1. Should governments spend more money on space research?
2. Which ISS benefit is most important: medicine, clean water, Earth observation or exploration?
3. Why is international collaboration important in space?
4. What risks do long-duration missions create for astronauts?
5. How can research in space help communities on Earth?
6. Should private companies play a bigger role in low-Earth orbit?
7. Would you live on the ISS for six months?
Role Play
| Space agency | Government committee | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| The ISS supports research that cannot happen on Earth. It helps prepare us for the Moon and Mars. It creates benefits for people on Earth. | How can we justify the cost? What are the practical benefits? How does this help citizens? | The evidence suggests... One major benefit is... This matters because... |
Context
Student A
You represent the space agency. Explain the scientific, medical and environmental benefits of the ISS.
Student B
You are on the committee. Ask challenging questions about cost, public benefit and future missions.
Role play task: Agree on three reasons why ISS research should continue.
Thank You
You have completed the ESL CONNECT video lesson.