Engineering Design Challenge - For Teachers
 
Thermal Protection Systems Design Challenge
Short Lesson Plans - Day 1/Session 1
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Introduction

  • Introduction to Thermal Protection System. (pp. 12-18)
  • Review with questions (pp.17)

Vocabulary Words:

Supporting Materials:

  1. Picture of X-33 and current space shuttle
  2. PowerPoint.Slide Show

Preparatory Work:

  1. Read Thermal Protection Challenge
  2. Have transparencies made (pp. 66 - 74)
  3. Review Safety Procedures (pp. 30)

On the Web Resources:

Explain Challenge

  • Explain TPS Challenge Connect scientific method to engineer design process. Talk about "real-world" limitations (i.e.- money or time involved in design)

Vocabulary Words:

Supporting Materials:

  1. Transparencies (pp. 70 - 71)
  2. PowerPoint Slide Show

Preparatory Work:

  • Prepared Test Assembly, to show or demonstrate. (Pp. 22 - 28)

On the Web Resources:

  • URL on X-33 program and history

Discuss Data Collection and Presentation

Discuss Storyboard (pp. 46-47)

Vocabulary Words:

  • Scientific data

Supporting Materials:

Preparatory Work:

  • Read Culminating Activity

On the Web Resources:

  • Pictures of other students work

Demonstration

. Do Demonstration and record Baseline

Vocabulary Words:

  • Observation
  • Accuracy
  • Lab Safety

Supporting Materials:

  • None

Preparatory Work:

  • In advance:Time your test model And record baseline

On the Web Resources:

  • URL on current NASA engineering designs.

Introduce Variables and Controls

Brainstorm with students on Variations in results. (i.e.- Aligning test assembly and Flame. Having students Time each test. Tie-in Scientific Method. Cover: Accuracy/Precision, Standardized test Conditions.)

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Accuracy
  2. Precision
  3. Standard Conditions

Supporting Materials:

Preparatory Work:

  • Observe and record what you found to be variables.

On the Web Resources:

  • Worksheet covering accuracy and precision

Summarize and Brainstorm

Wrap-up/Review Show students the materials and give them time to discuss their design.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Convection
  2. Conduction
  3. Radiation

Supporting Materials:

  • Question: How does heat from flame reach glue?

Preparatory Work:

  1. Have materials Available for Students to view.
  2. Have copies of Design Constraints (pp. 35)

On the Web Resources:

  • URL on engineering design process