Activity 3.2: the future of space travel

Introduction

In this final activity, students imagine the future of space travel and explore 'frozen images' like those they used in Activity 1.5: making the spaces of space.

Duration

20–25 minutes

Resources

• Open space large enough for students to move comfortably and safely
• Objects such as:
  • classroom chairs
  • wooden cubes
  • large pieces of fabric
  • gym mats
  • hula hoops
  • witches hats
  • recycled materials – whatever you have available that can spark imagination and be used in a 'transformative' manner

• Activity stepsShow details

  Possible pre-text stimulus: Scientists today announced that a great discovery has taken place that will allow humans to travel to distant planets. Imagine what this discovery will mean ...

  1. Have students brainstorm and discuss what might happen in the future.
     • Could humans travel freely in space?
     • Could they live on other planets?
     • What type of transport would be used?
     • What technologies would exist that would allow us to travel enormous distances but not age?
  2. Students work in groups of three or four. They decide what that discovery is – remind them that this is imagined but could be possible in the future through the development of technology.
  3. Students create either a short television news report that tells us about the discovery, or a short dramatic scene that shows us a future when the discovery is being used. They can use props such as classroom chairs, wooden cubes or recycled materials.
  4. Again, remind students about the elements of drama – character, story, voice, movement, space, blocking, freeze and soundscapes.