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K-2 Learners will be guided through a series of challenges that follow the engineering design cycle. Join NASA on an adeventure through solving an engineering challenge to design a thermos to keep water warm in space. Each step of the engineering design cycle will be performed by the learner.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate an understanding of the Engineering Design Process while utilizing each stage to successfully complete a team challenge.
PROCESS SKILLS
Experimental design, measuring, and data analysis
MATERIALS
STUDENT PAGES
PRE-ACTIVITY SET UP
While the students are using the EDP to create an insulator, they will also be conducting a scientific experiment that requires a control. While the students test their cups, place a cup of hot water and a cup of cold water at the front of the room, un-insulated, each holding a thermometer. Set a timer for every 30 seconds and record the data to share with the students so they may compare their data.
Engage the students in the following questions:
During this session, you explored designing insulation to reduce temperature changes, much like protecting humans from the extreme temperature swings on the Moon’s surface. What if you needed to capture heat energy instead?