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Middle school learners will be guided through a series of challenges that follow the engineering design cycle. Join NASA on an adventure through solving an engineering challenge to design and build a satellite to orbit the moon using simple materials.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate an understanding of the Engineering Design Process while utilizing each stage to successfully complete a team challenge.
To design and build a satellite that meets specific size and mass constraints. It must carry a combination of cameras, gravity probes, and heat sensors to investigate the Moon’s surface. The satellite will need to pass a 1-meter Drop Test without any parts falling off of it.
PROCESS SKILLS
Measuring, calculating, designing, evaluating
MATERIALS
STUDENT PAGES
ASK, IMAGINE, & PLAN
Engage the students in a discussion with the following questions:
Ask teams to bring back their satellite models for use at the next session. You may want to store them in the classroom or have one of the club facilitators be responsible for their safe return.