Spacecraft Structures pdf - ER - NASA

2 – NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Spacecraft Structures 2007MaterialsYou will need a few simple and inexpensive materials:• Craft sticks.• Dowels.• Glue guns and hot-melt glue.• Corrugated cardboard.• 35 mm film canisters.• 1-liter soda bottles.• 2-liter soda bottles.• 25-50 pounds (11-23 kilograms) of sand.• A sturdy cloth bag to hold the sand.• Brass tubing.• Package sealing tape about 2 inches wide.• 4-ounce paper cups.Time RequiredThe design challenge can be carried out in six 45-minute class periods, but youcould easily extend it for twice that length of time. We provide some ideas forextensions at the end of the guide.You will need to invest 4-8 hours gathering the materials, building the test stand,trying out your own designs, reading the guide, and preparing the classroom.Value to StudentsThese activities help students achieve national goals in science, math, and thinkingskills. In the pilot testing of the design challenge, students embraced thedesign challenge with excitement. This activity will provide your students theopportunity to solve a challenge based on a real-world problem that is part ofthe space program and to use creativity, cleverness, and scientific knowledgein doing so. During these activities, students will have many opportunities tolearn about forces, structures, and energy transfer. The culminating activity givesstudents an opportunity to develop their presentation and communication skills.Student Research OpportunitiesThe "Resources" section of this guide includes many web sites where studentscan obtain additional information.Parent InvolvementThe "Masters" section of this guide includes a reproducible flier to send home toinform parents about the activity. It includes suggested activities students andparents can do at home together.SafetyThese activities meet accepted standards for laboratory science safety.