Potential student questions and answers:
Q: Why did astronauts drink Tang in space?
A: Tang was easy to transport as a powder and could be mixed with water in space. The citrus flavor helped mask the taste of treated water on spacecraft.
Q: Is Tang still popular today?
A: While not as common, Tang is still sold in many countries. Its legacy lives on through its historic use by NASA.
Q: What makes the pie filling thick and creamy?
A: The cream cheese and Cool Whip contain stabilizers and emulsifiers that give the filling a smooth, thick texture when combined.
Interactive Documents:
Printable Documents (for K-2 or tangible activities):
1. Tang Pie Recipe: Access and print from [
https://www.vacenrichment.com/lesson_document?id=302](https://www.vacenrichment.com/lesson_document?id=302)
Teacher Notes on Documents:
- Printable documents should be prepared before class. Make one copy per student or group as needed.
- For digital documents, ensure students have computer/tablet access and the URL ready.
- All documents are self-contained and don't require additional resources.
Student-Facing Content:
Discussion Questions for Students:
1. Have you ever tried Tang before? What did you think of the taste compared to orange juice?
2. Why do you think the astronauts drank Tang in space? What qualities might make it good for space travel?
3. The Tang Pie recipe was very popular in the 1970s. What are some popular dessert trends today? Why do you think they're popular now?
4. If you were going to space, what food would you want to bring with you? Why?
5. Imagine you were asked to invent a new space food. What would you create? What flavors and ingredients would
Materials Needed:
Ingredients for Tang Pie:
1 package (3.4 oz) of vanilla pudding mix
1/2 cup Tang (orange drink mix)
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade)
1/2 cup of whipped cream (for topping)
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Supplies:
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
A spoon or spatula for stirring
Pie dish (for assembling the pie)
Plastic wrap (for covering the pie while it sets)
Refrigerator (to chill the pie)
Lesson Outline:
Introduction (10 minutes):
Discussion:
Start by discussing the history of Tang. Explain that Tang is a powdered drink mix that became famous when NASA astronauts took it to space in the 1960s. It was developed as a convenient drink for astronauts on the Mercury and Gemini missions, and later used aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Show students a picture or a video of astronauts drinking Tang on the ISS. Highlight how food and drinks have to be specially prepared for space, where liquids don’t behave the same as on Earth.
Objective of the Lesson:
"Today, we’re going to make Tang Pie, a delicious dessert that reminds us of Tang’s role in space missions. You’ll not only get to learn how to make this fun dessert, but also learn about how astronauts have used Tang in space!"
Cooking Activity (30 minutes):
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and Tang drink mix.
Step 2: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk and whisk until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Make sure the Tang is fully dissolved to give the pie a bright, orange flavor.
Step 3: Pour the pudding mixture into a pre-made graham cracker crust. Smooth it out with a spoon or spatula.
Step 4: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. During this time, students can clean up and prepare for the next part of the lesson.
Step 5: Once the pie has set, top it with whipped cream and orange zest (if desired) for extra flavor.
Discussion During Cooking:
While the pie is chilling, discuss how space food works. In space, liquids are often used in powdered form to minimize waste and avoid spills in zero gravity. Tang was one of the earliest products designed to meet these needs.
Ask students to imagine eating only rehydrated or powdered food for months at a time. What might be the challenges and benefits?
Space Food Exploration & Tang in Space (15 minutes):
Space Food Presentation:
Show a short video or slideshow about space food. Explain that astronauts on the ISS often eat food that is freeze-dried, vacuum-sealed, or in powdered form, and then rehydrate it with water.
Discuss how Tang, a favorite among astronauts, is still used today on the ISS as part of astronauts' daily diets.
Show examples of other foods astronauts eat, such as fruit cubes, NASA cookies, and space pouches that hold liquids like soup or coffee.
Fun Facts:
Tang was not originally created for space, but NASA helped popularize it by sending it with astronauts during their missions.
Tang on the ISS: Astronauts aboard the ISS use Tang as a flavoring for their water. Drinking plain water in space can be monotonous, so adding a powdered drink mix like Tang makes it more enjoyable.
Astronauts don’t just drink Tang, but they also make Tang-based recipes like pies, cookies, and even cakes on special occasions!