Solar System Exploration: Education: Fast Lesson Finder


	Technology - Getting the Job Done ientists frame the exploration questions; engineers develop the technology. Together they explore the solar system. Knowledge of current exploration techniques and technology inspires of the possibilities of future exploration. Physics, history, and math classes will find these activities appropriate.

Activity Title:

Alka-Seltzer Rockets

General Description:

Using baking soda and vinegar, propel an object across the floor to introduce the idea of how things move through space.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Propose Designs and Choose Between Alternative Solutions

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

Mars Activity Book: K-12 Classroom Activities

Body:

Solar System

Grade Level:

5-8

Activity Title:

Capturing a Whisper from Space

General Description:

Participants learn how a worldwide system of antennas is used with NASA's interplanetary spacecraft. Participants construct a cardstock antenna to demonstrate how the radio waves would be used to communicate.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Understanding about Science and Technology

General Topic:

Communication

Source:

Deep Space Network

Body:

Saturn

Grade Level:

5-8

Background:

Deep Space Network Homepage

Activity Title:

Edible Cassini Spacecraft

General Description:

Participants construct an edible spacecraft to better understand the nature of the design.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Understanding the Nature of Technological Design

General Topic:

Scientific Method

Source:

Cassini-Huygens

Body:

Saturn

Grade Level:

K-4

Background:

Missions to Saturn

Activity Title:

Edible Mars Spacecraft

General Description:

Participants examine the functions of the parts of a spacecraft as they create their own rover.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Abilities of Technological Design

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

NASA Mars Exploration Program

Body:

Mars

Grade Level:

K-4

Background:

Missions to Mars

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Activity Title:

Gingerbread Spacecraft

General Description:

Participants understand the nature of spacecraft design by constructing their own model using edible materials.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Abilities of Technological Design

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

Cassini-Huygens

Body:

Saturn

Grade Level:

K-4

Background:

Missions to Saturn

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Activity Title:

Mars Pathfinder: Egg Drop and Landing

General Description:

Design, build, and test a system for landing on the surface of Mars without breaking the cargo, an egg.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Propose Designs and Choose Between Alternative Solutions

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

Mars Activity Book: K-12 Classroom Activities

Body:

Solar System

Grade Level:

5-8

Mission:

Mars Pathfinder

Background:

Missions to Mars

Activity Title:

Rover Races

General Description:

Participants learn the challenges of operating a planetary rover and develop solutions in a participatory activity.

Content Standard:

Abilities of Technological Design

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

NASA Mars Exploration Program

Body:

Mars

Grade Level:

K-4

Mission:

Opportunity

Background:

Missions to Mars

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Activity Title:

Soda Straw Rockets

General Description:

Construct rockets on a soda straw and launch them by blowing through the straw.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Propose designs and choose between alternative solutions

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

Mars Activity Book: K-12 Classroom Activities

Body:

Solar System

Grade Level:

5-8

Activity Title:

The Cassini Robot

General Description:

Participants compare humans to robotic functions.

Content Standard:

Science and Technology: Ability to Distinguish Between Natural Objects and Those Made by Humans

General Topic:

Modeling

Source:

Cassini-Huygens

Body:

Saturn

Grade Level:

K-4

Background:

Missions to Saturn

View Teacher's Notes