Should The Space Research and Exploration Program in Florida Continue?

                                    At the computer:

1. Visit the links to help answer the essential questions. Use the arrow buttons
    on the top left corner of the Web tool bar to go back to the previous page and
    explore other links.  

       * As you visit the sites, complete the worksheet for the corresponding
       essential questions.

      * Use these links to answer the following questions:

   A. About Florida’s Culture and Economy:

                 1.  How can you describe the economy of Florida?

                 2. How can you describe the culture of Florida?

             Links:

http://www.florida-colleges-universities.com/florida-facts.htm
   
http://www.city-data.com/states/Florida-Economy.html

http://www.netstate.com/economy/fl_economy.htm 

   B. About the Space Research and Exploration Program
          (NASA):

                3. What is meant by space research and exploration?

                4. How has space research and exploration affected
                    the economy and culture of the state of Florida?

                5. How much money is spent to fund The Space
                     Research and Exploration program?

             Links:

http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/what_does_nasa_do.html

http://www.floridaspacegrant.org/fsgc_research3.php?ID=19

http://www.thespaceplace.com/nasa/spinoffs.html

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/sep/HQ_06309_NEEMO_11.html

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/solarsystem/Why_We_01pt2.html

http://www.floridaspaceday.com/

http://www.floridaspaceday.com/flimpact.php
           
http://fsi.ucf.edu/

             Also watch this video:

http://www.floridamemory.com/OnlineClassroom/NASA/index.cfm

The video is also available to view in the Resources section. 

 
          C. About  whether or not to continue  the NASA program, and the
              impact the space program has had in the economy and 
              culture   of Florida .

 
                6. Is the space research and exploration program   worth the money?

                7. How will the discontinuation of the space research and exploration
                    program affect Florida’s economy and culture?

              Links:
http://blog.sciseek.com/2008/10/24/why-should-the-us-continue-to-pursue-the-exploration-of-space/

http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2010/01/24/space_shuttle_shutdown_hurts_florida_county/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110407/pl_ac/8240681_government_shutdowns_impact_on_florida_1

http://www.spaceflorida.gov/index.php/en/why-florida

                                In the classroom

 2. After researching the websites, links, watching the video, gathering the information, analyzing the data, and answering the questions; review and practice for the debate.  

 3.  Be prepared to defend your point of view about whether to continue or discontinue The Space Research and Exploration Program in Florida.  Base your decision on researched information and evidence. 
 
       a. Use the chart provided to organize your thoughts about  the advantages,
           and disadvantages of the NASA program.