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Lesson Title: Spacecraft Structures
Grade Levels: 7-9
Connection To Curriculum:
Science, Mathematics, Technology
and Engineering
Teacher Prep Time: 4-8 hours
Lesson Time Needed: Six
45-Minute Sessions
Complexity: Moderate
Materials:
N/A
Description
This activity challenges students to solve a real-world problem that is part of the space program using creativity, cleverness and scientific knowledge while learning about forces, structures and energy transfer.
Objectives
Students will:
• Accurately measure drop heights and compute average heights.
• Observe a design before testing and pick out the "key features."
• Observe a model during and after testing and document precisely what happens to the model.
• Apply the engineering design process.
• Record observations and organize data so that they can be exchanged with others and referred to later.
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Lesson Guide Spacecraft Structures Lesson [127KB PDF file] |
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Lesson Activities and Sequence
-
Spacecraft Structures -- Session 1
Introducing the Challenge and Getting Started: Overview of NASA's Spacecraft Structures, demonstrate the launch stand with teacher's poorly designed thrust structures, explain data recording sheets, journals and culminating activity. -
Spacecraft Structures -- Session 2
Design 1: Review safety issues found in the guide, introduce the materials, design, build, test, record and share solutions. -
Spacecraft Structures -- Sessions 3 and 4
Designs 2, 3, 4 and 5; repeat cycle. -
Spacecraft Structures -- Session 5
Construct a storyboard or poster of final design testing results, sketches, steps throughout development and journals. -
Spacecraft Structures -- Session 6
Student presentations linking design strategies and observations to science concepts.
National Standards:
National Science Education Standards, NSTA
Science as Inquiry
• Understanding of scientific concepts.
• Understanding of the nature of science.
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• Dispositions to use the skills, abilities and attitudes associated with science.
Physical Science
• Position and motion of objects.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Expressions and Equations
• Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
• Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations.
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Creativity and Innovation
Students:
• Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products or processes.
• Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
• Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
• Identify trends and forecast possibilities.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
Students:
• Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
• Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
• Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
• Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.
Science as Inquiry
• Understanding of scientific concepts.
• Understanding of the nature of science.
• Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world.
• Dispositions to use the skills, abilities and attitudes associated with science.
Physical Science
• Position and motion of objects.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, NCTM
Expressions and Equations
• Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
• Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines and linear equations.
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Students, ISTE
Creativity and Innovation
Students:
• Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products or processes.
• Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
• Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
• Identify trends and forecast possibilities.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
Students:
• Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation.
• Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
• Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
• Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.