Appendix A.—Rubrics 

A.1 Engineering Design Process (EDP) 

Level of EDP Step Novice Apprentice Journeyperson Expert student (0) (1) (2) (3) knowledge 

(Score) 

Student does not Student incorrectly Student identifies part Student fully and 

identify the problem identifies the problem of the problem correctly identifies the Identify the problem problem (Ask) 

Student does not Student generates one Student provides two Student provides three 

brainstorm possible solution solutions or more possible Brainstorm a solution 

solutions (Imagine) 

Student does not Student presents a Student selects a Student selects a 

select or present a solution that is solution but does not solution that considers Develop a solution solution or the solution incomplete or lacking consider all criteria and all criteria and (Plan) is off task details constraints constraints 

Student does not Student creates a Student’s prototype Student creates a 

directly contribute to prototype that does not meets most problem prototype that meets Create a prototype the creation of a meet problem criteria criteria and constraints all problem criteria and (Create) prototype and constraints constraints 

Student does not Student conducts tests Student conducts Student conducts 

contribute to the testing that are irrelevant to carefully performed relevant and carefully Test a prototype of the prototype the problem or do not tests that consider one performed tests that (Test) accurately assess to two strengths and consider three or more 

strengths and weaknesses of the strengths and 

weaknesses of the prototype weaknesses of the 

prototype prototype 

Student does not Student does not Student addresses one Student addresses two 

contribute to the improve the design or concern to improve the or more test-based Redesign based on redesign address concerns design concerns to improve data and testing the design (Improve) 

Student does not Student shares random Student shares Student shares 

communicate results results organized results, but detailed, organized Communicate results 

results are incomplete results with group from testing 

(Share) 

Total 

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A.2 Problem-Based Learning Process 

Level of PBL Step Novice Apprentice Journeyperson Expert 

(0) (1) (2) (3) student 

knowledge 

(Score) 

Student does not Student incorrectly Student identifies part of Student fully and correctly 

identify the problem identifies the problem the problem identifies the problem Meet the 

problem 

Student does not Student incompletely Student identifies knowns Student completely 

identify knowns and identifies knowns and and unknowns using identifies knowns and Explore knowns unknowns unknowns experience but uses no unknowns using and unknowns 

resources experience and resources 

Student does not Student generates one Student provides two Student provides three or 

brainstorm possible solution solutions more possible solutions Generate 

possible 

solutions 

Student does not Student determines Student identifies Student identifies 

identify any inaccurate or irrelevant consequences accurately consequences accurately Consider 

consequences consequences and provides a rationale consequences 

Student does not Student shares random Student shares organized Student shares detailed, 

communicate results results results, but results are organized results with the Present 

incomplete larger group findings 

Total 

Hazards to Deep Space Astronauts 

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Hazards to Deep Space Astronauts 

Appendix B.—Glossary of Key Terms 

Abiotic factors. The nonliving components that influence an ecosystem 

Analog. Situation on Earth that produces physical, mental, and/or emotional effects on the body similar to those experienced in 

space; analog studies help prepare for long-duration missions 

Atrophy. Thinning or loss of muscle tissue 

Biotic factors. The living components that influence an ecosystem 

Cartilage. Strong tissue that cushions between bones 

Celestial body. A natural object outside the Earth’s atmosphere, such as the Moon, Sun, planet, or star 

Confinement. The state of being enclosed (such as being confined within borders or walls) 

CONNECT. The acronym NASA uses for the mitigation focus points for preventing side effects from isolation and confinement— 

community, openness, networking, needs, expeditionary mindset, countermeasures, and training and preparation 

Coronal mass ejection (CME). A violent release of gas and magnetic fields from the solar corona 

Countermeasure. An action or device designed to prevent a danger 

Femur. Longest bone in the human body, extending from the hip to the knee 

Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). A dominant source of radiation that must be dealt with aboard current spacecraft and future space 

missions within our solar system; galactic cosmic rays originate outside the solar system and are likely formed by explosive 

events such as supernova 

Human Research Program (HRP). A NASA program in which HRP scientists and engineers work together to discover the best 

methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel 

Humerus. Long bone in the upper arm that runs from the shoulder to the elbow 

Isolation. The state of being set apart from others 

Joint. The location where two bones meet 

Ligament. Strong tissue that connects bone to bone 

Magnetosphere. Area of space around a planet that is controlled by the planet's magnetic field; provides safety from most forms of 

radiation coming from space 

Mitigation. The process or result of making something less severe, dangerous, painful, harsh, or damaging 

Osteoporosis. Bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both 

Pandemic. Disease outbreak occurring over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically 

affecting a significant proportion of the population 

Pelvis. Basin-shaped body structure that connects the trunk and the legs 

Side effects. A secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug) 

Sievert. The standard unit for radiation in the International System of Units (SI) 

Solar energetic particles (SEPs). Energetically charged particles (such as electrons and protons) traveling much faster than ambient 

particles in the space plasma, at a fraction of the speed of light 

Vertebrae. Small bones that form the backbone and protect the spinal cord 

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