45- 60 minutes
National Math and Science Standards:
Science
Standards
Science as Inquiry
Understandings about scientific inquiry (K-12)
Physical Science
Properties of Objects and materials (K-4)
Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism (K-4)
Properties and changes of properties in matter (5-8)
Chemical reactions (9-12)
Science and Technology
Abilities of technological design (K-12)
Understandings about science and technology (K-12)
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
Personal Health (K-12)
Natural hazards (5-8)
Risks and benefits (5-8)
Natural and human-induced hazards (9-12)
History and Nature of Science
Science as a human endeavor (K-12)
Math Standards (K-12)
Number and Operations
Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates
Measurement
Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and
processes of measurement.
Problem Solving
Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.
Connections
Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics.
Representation
Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical
ideas.
Use representations to model and interpret physical, social, and mathematical
phenomena.
NASA Presenter:
Advanced Preparation (Required):
1. Complete the following pre-conference activities:
NASAexplores:
Against
The Elements
NASAexplores: Air
Breathing Rockets
NASAexplores: Fire
Prevention in Space
2. Preview background information on spacecraft failures at:
NASA
Develops New Tool to Improve Accident Investigations
Normal
Accident Theory: The
Changing Face of NASA and Aerospace
3. Preview PowerPoint presentations and Websites on spacecraft failures at:
Spacecraft Accidents Overview - Download PowerPoint Presentation
STS-107
(Columbia Space Shuttle) - Download PowerPoint
Presentation
www.caib.us
http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/home/index.html
http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/returntoflight.html
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/archives/sts-107/cargo/index.html
http://history.nasa.gov/columbia/index.html
STS-51L
(Challenger Space Shuttle) - Download PowerPoint
Presentation
Challenger
Documentation
http://history.nasa.gov/rogersrep/51lcover.htm
http://onlineethics.org/moral/boisjoly/RB-intro.html
Additional PowerPoint Presentations and Websites on Spacecraft Failures
Grades 6-8 students might want to preview the information given below:
NASA Explorers: From S.A.T.s To Satellites
See
the related videoconference information on spacecraft:
Humans
in Space
History of Rocketry
Spacecraft are extremely complex vehicles that have many moving parts and highly detailed engineering components. Because of this complexity, great care must be taken to test the vehicles and anticipate the conditions that the vehicles may experience during flight. However, during actual flights the components of the spacecraft may experience stresses that exceed the strength of the materials, or may enter a region of higher than expected stress, and lead to the damage or destruction of the vehicle. This videoconference will discuss the methods of finding the problems with spacecraft after a failure has occurred.
Past
NASA failure investigations are discussed, and Internet resources are
demonstrated. The presentation can be geared to specific grade levels.
Suggested Post-Conference Activities:
NASAexplores:
After the Shuttle
http://nasaexplores.nasa.gov/show2_articlea.php?id=01-057
NASAexplores:
A SAFER Way To Space Walk
http://nasaexplores.nasa.gov/show2_articlea.php?id=03-050
NASAexplores:
Bolting It Down
http://nasaexplores.nasa.gov/show2_articlea.php?id=01-032
Student Assessment: Why is it important to study Spacecraft failures?
Advanced Notice Recommended:
4 weeks
Frequency of Presentation:
As needed
Availability of presenters:
Varies