published by
the NASA Engineering Design Challenge
This instructional unit challenges students to build a model thrust structure that is as light as possible, yet strong enough to withstand the load of a "launch-to-orbit" three times. Students first determine the amount of force needed to launch a model rocket to 1 meter, then they design, build, and test their own structure designs. In collaborative groups, they revise their designs to increase the strength and reduce the weight of their structure. Materials are all readily available at hardware stores.
Editor's Note:This module was designed by a NASA project team to connect students in the classroom with the challenges faced by NASA engineers as they design the next generation of spacecraft, habitat, and communications technologies. The activities lead students through design and testing, the evaluation process, documentation of results, and final shared reports.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)1. The Nature of Science
1B. Scientific Inquiry
3. The Nature of Technology
3B. Design and Systems
4. The Physical Setting
4E. Energy Transformations
4F. Motion
8. The Designed World
8B. Materials and Manufacturing
9. The Mathematical World
9B. Symbolic Relationships
11. Common Themes
11A. Systems
11B. Models
12. Habits of Mind
12C. Manipulation and Observation
12D. Communication Skills
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics AlignmentsRatios and Proportional Relationships (6-7)
Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve
problems. (6)
Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world
and mathematical problems. (7)
The Number System (6-8)
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system
of rational numbers. (6)
Expressions and Equations (6-8)
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between
dependent and independent variables. (6)
Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and
algebraic expressions and equations. (7)
Understand the connections between proportional relationships,
lines, and linear equations. (8)
Statistics and Probability (6-8)
Summarize and describe distributions. (6)
Common Core State Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6—12
Key Ideas and Details (6-12)
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (6-12)
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity (6-12)
Common Core State Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
Text Types and Purposes (6-12)
Research to Build and Present Knowledge (6-12)
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=11945">NASA Engineering Design Challenge. NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures. Houston: NASA Engineering Design Challenge, November 18, 2007.</a>
AIP Format
(NASA Engineering Design Challenge, Houston, 2000), WWW Document, (https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf).
AJP/PRST-PER
NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures (NASA Engineering Design Challenge, Houston, 2000), <https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf>.
APA Format
NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures. (2007, November 18). Retrieved December 7, 2024, from NASA Engineering Design Challenge: https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf
Chicago Format
NASA Engineering Design Challenge. NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures. Houston: NASA Engineering Design Challenge, November 18, 2007. https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf (accessed 7 December 2024).
MLA Format
NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures. Houston: NASA Engineering Design Challenge, 2000. 18 Nov. 2007. 7 Dec. 2024 <https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures},
Publisher = {NASA Engineering Design Challenge},
Volume = {2024},
Number = {7 December 2024},
Month = {November 18, 2007},
Year = {2000}
}
Refer Export Format
%T NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures %D November 18, 2007 %I NASA Engineering Design Challenge %C Houston %U https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D November 18, 2007 %T NASA Engineering Design Challenges: Spacecraft Structures %I NASA Engineering Design Challenge %V 2024 %N 7 December 2024 %8 November 18, 2007 %9 application/pdf %U https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/main_EDC_Spacecraft_Structures.pdf Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 3 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. |
SupplementsContributeSimilar MaterialsCIESE Real Time Data Projects: Tsunami Surge TryEngineering: Heart of the Matter Featured By
Physics Front |