Engineering Design Process using NASA’s “Touchdown” …

1 The SCIENTIFIC METHOD The Engineering Method Engineering Design Process using NASA s touchdown Challenge NGSS and EDP The Engineering Design Process The Engineering Design Process Performance Expectations OBJECTIVES - using the Engineering Design Process and the materials specified, students will Design , build, and test a landing system to safely deliver astronauts to the surface of the moon (with drop test) within the constraints/ limits specified. The students will present their model in class. Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects. (MS-PS2-4) Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.

2 (MS-PS3-2) Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or Process such that an optimal Design can be achieved. (MS-ETS1-4) On the Moon: touchdown CHALLENGE Marking the text Read the Article entitled Going to the MOON with NASA Do Steps 3-6 Turn and your summary with your partner Questions? ENGAGE: Assign Roles: Your challenge: Design and build a shock-absorbing system that will protect two astronauts when they land. Assign the following roles: project manager, engineer, logistics, scientist using EDP in Solving Real-World Problem Engineering Design Process in solving problems ASK What is the problem/Task? EDP Steps to Solve the problem: What is the Challenge?

3 Why is important for a spacecraft to land gently on the moon s surface? Today you ll make a lander a spacecraft that can land safely when you drop it on the floor. As you test, you ll find ways to make it work better. Improving a Design based on testing is called the Engineering Design Process . Why is it important to include a shock absorbing system in your lander? What can you use as shock absorbers? Step 1: Identify the Problem IMAGINE Discuss possible solution, write your ideas on your packet. -does not tip over when it drops (at least meter high) -landing softly, astronauts should stay in the cup. - astronauts can t be taped/attached to the cup -The cup has to stay open no lids!

4 -Use only the materials are provided (You may not use all of them) - How High Can You Go? contest-highest drop gets extra credit. Step2: Identify criteria and constraints: Step 3: Brainstorming Possible Solutions What kind of shock absorber can you make from these materials to help soften a landing? How will you make sure the lander doesn t tip over as it falls through the air? PLAN Sketch your plan/model individually then choose the best one, modify and sketch your plan with label. Draw side and top view if possible. Choose two or three of the best ideas from the brainstormed list. Make a detailed sketch of each Design . Label each sketch with dimensions and include the materials needed to build a model.

5 Select one Design to construct. Justify your choice by listing the reasons you selected this Design . Step 4: Select a Design Write a detailed procedure for building the model or prototype. List the materials actually used to construct the model. Follow your procedure and build the model. Step 5: Build a model or prototype Create Experiment Data trial 1 Height Notes What should be changed /improved? STEP 6: TEST THE MODEL AND EVALUATE: Write a hypothesis about your Design s performance during testing. Use an If.. then .. format. For example, If the redesigned model has increased in size (change in the independent variable), then it will fall at a faster speed, (change seen in the dependent variable).

6 3 2 Evaluate List the strengths of your Design . List the weaknesses of your Design . Discuss what changes, or compromises, in your Design (if any) had to be made due to constraints. Decide if your Design solved the problem identified in Step 1. IMPROVE Based on the results of your tests, make improvements on your Design . Identify the changes that you would make. Give reasons for the changes. STEP 7: refine the Design Rubric Review What forces affected your lander as it fell? After testing, what changes did you make to your lander? Engineers early ideas rarely work out perfectly. How does testing help you improve a Design ? What did you learn from watching others test their landers?

7 The moon is covered in a thick layer of fine dust. How might this be an advantage? A disadvantage? Step8: Share the Design touchdown ties to the following concepts commonly covered in science: Potential and kinetic energy When the lander hits the surface, its motion (kinetic) energy is changed into stored (potential) energy, which gets stored in the shock absorbers. Acceleration due to gravity The lander accelerates (speeds up) as it falls due to Earth s gravitational pull. Air resistance Air exerts a force on the lander as it falls, slowing it down. Measurement measure the various heights from which they drop the lander Curriculum Connections: References: NGSS Design Challenge file:///C:/Users/elgin/ On the Moon: touchdown , Design Packet: file:///C:/Users/elgin/ Rubric: page 8 of the Design packet file:///C:/Users/elgin/ On the moon Educator s guide NASA video clips for the Engineering Design Process : REFERENCES.