National Curriculum Links

While the primary aim of SchoolSpace are to increase exposure to space science in KS2 and KS3, the information accessible through this project can be of benefit to all areas of the National Curriculum - not just maths and physics!

Design and Technology

The National Curriculum lists the following key goals for Design and Technology in KS2 and KS3:

• Developing, planning and communicating ideas
• Working with tools, equipment, materials and components to make quality products
• Evaluating processes and products
• Knowledge and understanding of materials and components
• Knowledge and understanding of systems and control
• Knowledge and understanding of structures

While most ten year olds in D&TR will not be called upon to construct a scale replica of an Ariadne rocket, SchoolSpace access to pictures, blueprints, and data about space missions can provide a wealth of experiments and creative problem solving with design and materials. Two hands-on experiment and a project are suggested here to illustrate the value of space science engineering to Design and Technology.

1. Model Rocket Experiment

First, students access images of rockets and shuttles through the SchoolSpace portal. How have designs changed over the last 40 years? What modifications are made to space missions that fly in low orbits, high orbits, or trajectories towards the end of the solar system? After discussion, students are given model rocket kits. The outside of the rockets can be modified to travel the furthest distance, fly the highest altitude, or land with the most accuracy. After the students have made their modfications, the class can launch all rockets together (with a supervising adult, of course!) and compare launch results with design expectations.

2. Paper Tower Experiment

This is a common exercise designed so that physics students can put theories of structure design in action. Each student is give five sheets of A4 paper and a roll of cellotape. Using any design they like, students must build a tower out of the paper; designs can be judged on height, load-bearing strength, elegance, and innovation. SchoolSpace can be used to combine this D&T experiment with space science. Each group of students is assigned a planet or moon. How would their designs change for low gravity or high gravity? What modifications would be made for high turbulent winds, or for constant techtonic activity? How would a theoretical choice of materials be affected for slowly revolving planets like Mars that experience extreme temperature changes?

3. Materials In Space Project

As a project, poster, or simple class discussion, this topic will motivate students to think creatively about choice of materials and design under unusual conditions. Students are asked to think about designs for ordinary D&T design projects in a space environment. What materials would be used for shelves when weight is an important factor in launch fuel? How would the design for a desk organizer holding pens, paperclips, and rubber bands change for zero gravity conditions? How does drag affect designs, and would this change designs for low orbits vs high orbits? The class can use SchoolSpace to access information on existing materials for shuttles and the International Space Station, along with data about the change in gravity, pressure, and temperature with altitude.

-- ElizabethAuden - 07 May 2004

• dfesbid.pdf: draft background material and intro for pilot

• mars_ideas.pdf: NC links for Mars ideas and Classroom Space