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Learners will construct and test launch a paper rocket model and predict its motion. They will launch their rocket multiple times, make observations, and record the distance it traveled. They will have the opportunity to answer a research question... (View More) by collecting and analyzing data related to finding out the best nose cone length and predicting the motion of their model rockets. The lesson is part of the Mars Education Program series; it models the engineering design process using the 5E instructional model and includes teacher notes, vocabulary, student journal and reading. Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are listed. (View Less)
This is an engineering design challenge activity. Learners will use balloons to investigate how a multi-stage rocket, like that used to launch the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, spacecraft, can propel a satellite to a specific orbit.... (View More) Learners will construct a two-stage balloon rocket that will be required to reach a particular location on the balloon track, simulating the proper orbit around Earth to be reached by the IBEX satellite. This activity complements other IBEX informal education materials. An instructional video explaining how to facilitate this activity is available: http://bit.ly/ZwlFf4. (View Less)
This is a lesson about spacecraft design. Learners will use the information learned in previous lessons, combined with their own creativity and problem-solving skills, to design and test a parachuting probe that will withstand a fall from a high... (View More) point, land intact, be able to descend slowly, float in liquid, and cost the least to launch into space. Extensions provide an option if the teacher has limited time, and invite the students to simulate other experiments that will be carried out by the Huygens probe. This is lesson 9 of 12 in the Mission to Saturn Educators Guide, Reading Writing Rings, for grades 3-4. (View Less)
This is an activity about using models to solve a problem. Learners will use a previously constructed model of the MMS satellite to determine if the centrifugal force of the rotating MMS model is sufficient to push the satellite's antennae outward,... (View More) simulating the deployment of the satellites after launch. Then, learners will determine the minimum rotational speed needed for the satellite to successfully deploy the antennae. This is the seventh activity as part of the iMAGiNETICspace: Where Imagination, Magnetism, and Space Collide educator's guide. Instructions for downloading the iBook educator's guide and the associated Transmedia book student guide are available at the resource link. (View Less)
In this lesson, learners will construct a 3D scale model of one of the MMS satellites. After, they will calculate the octagonal area of the top and bottom of the satellites, given the measurements of the satellite. Then, learners will compare the... (View More) octagonal cross-section area of the satellites with the circular cross-section area of the launch vehicle to determine if the eight-sided spacecraft will fit the circular rocket hull. This is lesson one of the MMS Mission Educator's Instructional Guide, which uses examples from the MMS Mission to introduce mathematics (focusing on geometry) in a real-world context. The lessons use the 5E instructional cycle. Note: MMS launched March 12, 2015. For the latest science and news, visit the MMS Mission Website under Related & Supplemental Resources (right side of this page). (View Less)