Space Food

Lesson
Materials

Description

Gravity plays a huge part in how we interact with our world from sleeping to eating to exercise. We’re taking a look at how astronauts have to prepare food by creating space food and the packaging that goes with it!

Materials

  • 1 tbsp pudding mix (any flavor works!)
  • 1/2 tbsp coffee creamer
  • 3 tbsp water
  • Ziploc bag
  • Computer with Internet access (optional, not required)
  • Paper
  • Pens/Markers/Pencils

Project Steps

Step 1

Let’s start by thinking about some questions.

How is gravity different in Earth than in space?

  • Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. There is zero gravity in outer space which means objects float around.

How do you think food is different for astronauts?

Optional: Watch “Astronaut Chris Hadfield and Chef Traci Des Jardins Make a Space Burrito” on Adam Savage’s Tested on YouTube:

Adam Savage’s Tested: Astronaut Chris Hadfield and Chef Traci Des Jardins Make a Space Burrito

Step 2

Your Challenge: You will be creating your own space pudding. You should design the packaging for your product. You can hand-draw it, download and use GIMP, or visit Canva to design!

The online tools are optional.

Here are a few points to consider while designing:

  1. What is the name of your food?
  2. What imagery will represent your brand/product?
  3. What will make an astronaut want to bring your pudding into space?
  4. Remember, the packaging is typically on the front and back (if not all around) a product. You will need to design a front and back.
  5. What about the nutrition facts?
  6. Directions for consumption (once you make your pudding powder you’ll need to add 3 tbs of water and mix).

Step 3

If you’re using GIMP:

  • Open a new document. Set the size to 4x4″ since our space food is made in plastic baggies we use this size. You can change as needed.
  • Begin recreating your highest-rated design.
    • Tip: Use the shape tools to section your document.
    • Tip: Think about color and the overall balance of your work. Does it look like something in a grocery store? Something that you would want to buy?

Step 4

Time for the pudding directions!

Gather your materials: dry pudding mix, non-dairy coffee creamer, Ziploc bag, and cold water.

Step 5

Combine 1 tbsp pudding mix and ½ tbs coffee creamer in your Ziploc bag.
When ready to consume, slowly add cold water (3 tbs worked for us). Seal the baggie (and inspect for leaks!).

Step 6

Shake until contents are thoroughly combined.

Step 7

Cut a corner out of our bags and squeezed the pudding out. Alternatively, use a straw or spoon.

Digital Harbor Foundation Mini Makers eating their space food

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Here is a downloadable version of the activity. Please feel free to download and print this PDF! Daily Prompts - Space Food