This is an activity about rockets. Learners will research facts about Atlas V rockets, which will launch the MMS satellites. After, they will compute the speed of the launch rocket, given a data chart of time vs. distance from lift-off. Then, they... (View More) will write a report synthesizing their researched information. This lesson requires student access to internet accessible computers. This is lesson two as part of the MMS Mission Educator's Instructional Guide. (View Less)

This is an activity about size and scale. Learners will construct a 3-D model 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.... (View More) Then, learners will compare the 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 as part of the MMS Mission Educator's Instructional Guide. (View Less)

In this activity, learners will build a structure using a shoebox, aluminum foil, paper, rubber bands, glue, tape, and other common materials that will meet the following criteria when tested: 1) protect an ice cube from melting under a hot lamp or... (View More) direct sunlight; 2) protect an egg from fracture when dropped from a height of ten feet; and 3) cost as little as possible. These tasks relate to the overarching concepts of space as a hostile environment, engineering that is needed to build and launch astronomical instruments, and testing of spacecraft and instrument models. This activity is from the Touch the Sun educator guide. (View Less)