In this lesson, students learn about current research into protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation. Students will apply knowledge about electrostatics to understand how we can build vessels that allow astronauts to travel through space without the protection of Earth’s magnetosphere. 

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to: 

• define and describe insulating and conducting materials.

• describe the basic function of a Faraday cage at the particle level.

• describe how cellular and wireless networks use electromagnetic radiation to communicate. 

• discuss the dangers of ionizing radiation and provide examples of harmful cosmic radiation.