May the force be with you!
Here’s some interstellar information to keep you talking while the kids spend two minutes cleaning their teeth!
Don’t forget to say Armstrong’s historic words:
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Discussion point: Did you know Armstrong had meant to say ‘for a man’, but he left out the ‘a’? What difference does just that one small word (or the lack of it) make to the meaning of this historic quotation?
So, how do you clean your teeth in space?
Once you think about it, you’ll marvel at how we take this everyday, twice a day action for granted!
So here’s a fun tooth-brushing-time chat to have!
Why would it be hard to clean your teeth in space?
Here are a few clues about the extra attention that’s needed in space, from Leroy Chiao who spent well over 200 days in space.
He says that you need:
- A drinking bag.
- No running water then?
- A toothbrush.
- Well, that’s normal enough.
- Your preferred brand of toothpaste.
- That’s okay too!
- A tube with a flip cap is handy! And you may need some Velcro on it too.
- Really?
- Yes. You don’t want it floating away.
- Aaah, I see the problem.
- Yes, and don’t forget to zip up your hygiene bag so your other things can’t float out.
- It sounds as though there’s a lot to think about.
- And that’s even before you’ve started brushing! Once you have a mouthful of toothpaste, then what?
- No spitting?
- You’ve got it!
Why not watch this video during tooth-brushing-time?
It runs for three minutes, so it’s a good tooth-brushing timer!
Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space, and is famous for his version of “Space Oddity” filmed in the International Space Station. He’s a inspirational educator, encouraging us to look beyond and understand more.
Q: What good advice does Chris Hadfield give about how to clean your teeth in space and on planet Earth?
A: He says, “Get ’em all! ‘Specially the ones in the back!”
Q: What good advice could you give to Chris Hadfield?
A: Don’t be so rough! You need to brush for at least two minutes, without talking! Kids shouldn’t swallow toothpaste!
(Note: Probably Chris Hadfield was only cleaning his teeth like he was mixing cement because he wanted to make an entertaining video!)