Plan
- What gloves will you wear for this activity? Thick nitrile lab gloves, hockey gloves or even thick winter gloves will do the trick!
- What tasks will you try to do with gloves on? What supplies do the tasks require?
Do
- Discuss the types of tasks that might be difficult to do while wearing a spacesuit.
- How does the suit and/or the environment limit what type of work astronauts can accomplish?
- Arrange the supplies you will need for the different tasks you have chosen – you could put together Lego, thread a needle, write your name, strike a match, etc.
- Activity ideas: stacking Lego, using chopsticks to move marbles around, tying a simple knot, writing your name on a piece of paper, threading a needle, opening a container, etc.
- Take turns trying to complete the different tasks – make sure to have a way to track time so that everyone has time to try every task.
Review
- Which tasks were easiest? Which were hardest?
- Did you do anything to make the tasks easier?
- How might astronauts work around the challenge of having to wear gloves while doing simple tasks?
- Would it have been harder or easier to do the tasks with a partner?
- Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map
Materials
- Work gloves or hockey gloves
- Other than the gloves, there are not any specific materials you need – you can choose tasks based on the skill level of your group, or based on the materials you have.
Keep it Simple
- Some youth may not have the same motor skills as others, so you may need to have tasks in a variety of difficulties. Try to have at least one task that everyone will be able to do.
- Wearing thinner gloves will make the activities easier – if you have youth who struggle with fine motor skills, try having them wear a thinner pair of gloves.
Take it Further
- Try choosing harder tasks, like making a friendship bracelet, knitting or opening a small bottle.
