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Space Shuttle Tires

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Space Shuttle Tire cover showing an image of the space shuttle landing.

Audience

Educators

Grade Levels

Grades K-4, Grades 5-8, Grades 9-12

Subject

Physical Science, Flight and Aeronautics, Matter and Its Properties

Type

Lesson Plans / Activities

STRUCTURES AND MATERIALS

Space Shuttle Tires

Grade Level: K-4

Space Shuttle Tires will show students how to compare several different types of tires to see if they can determine why each is constructed the way they are. This is an observe-and-infer type of activity with room for lots of discussion.

Space Shuttle Tires (K-4)

Time Required: 60 minutes

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Science and technology in society
  • Science as human endeavor

Topic: Structures and Materials

Grade Level: 5-12

Through demonstration and math activities, students will learn about tire technology and air pressure concepts. A space shuttle tire section as well as sections from a light truck tire and bicycle are provided for students to compare and contrast tire facts while learning about tires. Math activities are also provided for the students to learn more about air pressure, circumference, revolutions and contact patch.

Space Shuttle Tires (5-8)

Time Required: 120 minutes

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Science and technology in society
  • Science as human endeavor

Topic: Structures and Materials, Rotational Motion, Pressure

Grade Level: K-12

In the K-12 supplemental activity, students compare membrane permeability between mylar and latex balloons as they observe the diffusion of various scents through the latex balloon. They then relate this permeability to the permeability of space shuttle tires and loss of air through those tires.

The grades 5-12 supplemental activities ask students to take the role of logistics engineers as they figure out how many tires are needed to keep the space shuttle program running for a year. In addition, they use standard tire ratings to calculate radius, diameter, and area of various types of tires, including a space shuttle tire.

Space Shuttle Tires Supplemental Lessons (K-12)

Time Required: 60 minutes for K-12 activity and 120 minutes for all grades 5-12 activities

National Science Standards Addressed:

Science:

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Properties of objects and materials
  • Abilities of technological design
  • Understandings about science and technology
  • Science as human endeavor
  • Properties and changes of properties in matter
  • Motions and forces
  • Science and technology in society
  • Systems, order, and organization
  • Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges

Topic: Logistical planning, mathematical calculations of radius, diameter, and area of a circle, membrane permeability, materials

This activity is part of the Museum in a Box Lessons