Rescue Mission

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In this hands-on activity, learners use the steps of the design process to create a hook to rescue a "space capsule" from the water. Participants design, build, test and redesign their own model pieces of equipment to help them retrieve the floating objects. This activity also fits well with lessons on invention.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Game
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 3 film canisters with snap-on lids
  • Pot, bucket, or dishpan
  • Paperclips
  • 12-inch length of thread
  • Towels
  • Plasticine, clay, or poster putty

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0452485
  • Public Television Viewers
  • The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation
  • Arby's
  • Greendog