Mini Missions: GIRLFLIESWORLD x Estes Rockets

Grades 3-8; 205-220 min.

Topics Covered

Flight Operations, Mission Planning, Scientific Exploration, Extreme Environments

Overview

What does it take to prepare for a flight to one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth?

In this Mini Mission, students join young aviator and explorer Shannon Wong as she prepares for a historic solo flight to Antarctica and the South Pole as part of her effort to fly solo across all seven continents. Through hands-on challenges, students investigate the planning, engineering, and problem-solving required to operate safely in extreme environments.

Students will make mission-critical decisions, engineer solutions to protect scientific equipment from harsh conditions, and apply aerospace concepts through the construction and launch of the Estes Firecrest rocket. Throughout the Mini Mission, students will discover how the same planning, engineering, and problem-solving principles used to support Shannon's Antarctic expedition are also essential to successful rocket missions.

By experiencing the challenges faced by pilots, engineers, and explorers, students gain a deeper understanding of how preparation and innovation contribute to successful missions.

Materials

Activity 1: Mission Manifest: Antarctica

  • Mission Equipment Cards (included)
  • Mission Manifest (included)
  • Mission Scenario Cards (included)
  • Pencils/pens

Activity 2: Scientific Payload Challenge

  • Mission Payload Cards (1 class set) (included)
  • Room-temperature water
  • Mini plastic to-go cups with lids (around 2oz)
  • Assorted insulating materials (Examples: cotton balls, bubble wrap, foam sheets or packing foam, cardboard, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towels)
  • Tape, rubber bands, and/or string for securing designs
  • Scissors
  • Timer
  • Thermometer (optional)
  • Design Worksheet (included)
  • Testing and Reflection Sheet (included)
  • Freezer
  • Pencils/pens

Activity 3: Firecrest Launch and Post-Flight Evaluation

For This Mission

Standards

NGSS_logo

3-PS2-2

Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

5-PS2-1

Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

3-5-ETS1-1

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5-ETS1-2

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-1

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-2

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-3

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
Student building a Green Eggs model rocket in a classroom

Live, Online Training and 1:1 Support!

Estes Education has been a leader in STEM education for over 60 years. We know that STEM is a vital interdisciplinary topic that requires hands-on and inclusive learning. Explore these supporting materials to take learning to new heights!

Should you have need, you can meet with a member of Education team for FREE, 1:1 online support to learn rocketry basics, how to apply our curriculum, and discover unique teaching strategies. Our team is eager to answer your questions!

Learn About Model Rocket Safety!

Not sure how to safely launch a rocket with your group? Head over to our dedicated Safety instructions page for videos, support, and more!
Estes Education Youth Model Rocketry Program for STEM Learning