Design a Landing Pod!

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In this team design challenge (page 11-18 of PDF), learners design and build a Landing Pod for a model Lunar Rover (previously built in activity on page 1-10 of PDF). Learners must build a Landing Pod that fits within the specified mass limit. Learners test their design by dropping it and making sure that it lands intact and right side up. Learners improve their designs by re-designing and re-building. Learners can complete a follow-up activity included in this resource.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • General building supplies and tools
  • Bubble wrap
  • Balance
  • Pencils
  • Worksheets
  • Model of Lunar Rover (see activity #3 in resource)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
    • Technology
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
    • Number and Operations
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • Public domain, ,