Messenger's sun shade measures 8 ft x 6 ft and will have temperatures reaching 700 degree Fahrenheit on the outside while maintaining a cool 70 degrees underneath. In the third activity of four, groups discuss the basic properties of heat and explore how different materials affect phase changes of water from ice to liquid. Participants then apply these concepts to spacecraft and the creation of sunshades for protection. 

Concepts

heat transfer, heat energy, thermodynamics, shades

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Collect data from all classes and share for comparison purposes and better data analysis

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes learners possess some knowledge about thermodynamics, conduction, convection, and radiation
• Activity fits into a unit on engineering and design, space exploration, energy, or thermodynamics

• This resource is only available on an unencrypted HTTP website.It should be fine for general use, but don’t use it to share any personally identifiable information

Pros

• Activity provides all resources: teacher tips, worksheets, answer key, additional resources, extensions, and extensive background information
• Engaging for learners because they can see the knowledge learned applied already on spacecraft design

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3