Mission Green Launch - Unit Plan

Grades 3-12 | 8 (45 min) Classes

Topics Covered

Develop and Use Models | Analyze and Interpret Data | Obtain, Evaluate, and Communicate Information | Construct Explanations and Design Solutions

Essential Question

How can we design sustainable space technologies for the future?

Overview

Students will explore the history of commercial aviation and spaceflight while examining key engineering advancements and comparing the Mercury-Atlas and New Glenn spacecraft. As one of the world’s largest rockets, New Glenn is commercial space company Blue Origin’s heavy-lift, powerful rocket built to carry satellites for communication, weather, navigation, and science into orbit. Its huge size and strength could one day help launch a crew of humans to space!

By analyzing design decisions, materials, propulsion systems, and environmental impact, students will develop a deep understanding of aerospace innovation. Using 21st century collaborative skills, they will apply their learning to create and present a sustainable space travel solution for the year 2045.

Materials

Each Student Needs:

  • Student Portfolio (included)
  • Supplies for final project
  • Classroom technology
    • For research: Can include laptops, cellphones, tablets, etc.
    • For slide presentations: Prezi, Canva, etc.
  • Markers, colored pencils, etc.
  • Pencils / Pens
  • Posterboard
  • Sticky notes

Each Classroom Needs:

For this Unit Plan

Standards

NGSS_logo

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.

MS-ETS1-2

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process.

MS-ETS1-3

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions.

MS-ETS1-4

Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process.

MS-ESS3-3

Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment.

HS-ETS1-1

Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.

HS-ETS1-3

Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Common-Core-Standards-Logo

Common Core Math Standards

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.1

Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio reasoning.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.6

Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.SP.B.5

Summarize numerical data sets and describe distributions.

Common Core Literacy Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1

Engage effectively in collaborative discussions.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4

Present claims and findings with relevant evidence.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7

Conduct short research projects to answer a question

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