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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 using the engineering design cycle to design and build a landing pod for your lunar buggy out of 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 Landing Pod for the model Lunar Buggy that was built in the previous session.
PROCESS SKILLS
Measuring, calculating, designing, evaluating
MATERIALS
STUDENT PAGES
Please note: This activity may require two 60-90 minute sessions to complete.
ASK, IMAGINE, & PLAN
Engage the students with the following questions:
Soon NASA will send the next generation of explorers to Mars or other destinations in the solar system aboard a new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). The next session will have teams design and build a CEV that will carry two – 2 cm sized passengers safely and will fit within a certain size limitation.