Crash into engineering by sending a marble to land on a target by way of a zip line. Using a zip line, pupils put engineering design processes into practice by modifying a cup to carry and release a marble onto a target. Scientists test, evaluate, and redesign until the marble hits its target, modeling the process used by NASA scientists in the LCROSS mission. A follow-up discussion allows group members to analyze the engineering process and role of trajectory in the activity.

Concepts

trajectory, space exploration, space flight, space programs, moon exploration, motion

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Instructional Ideas

• Watch provided video link about NASA's LCROSS mission before beginning activity
• Allow teams to develop collaborative responses to questions in the discussion section

Classroom Considerations

• Collect materials and prepare participant copies of the challenge sheet in advance
• Requires building model zip line for class demonstration, so plan ahead

Pros

• The test, evaluate, and redesign section of the challenge sheet offers troubleshooting solutions to guide scholars
• Includes organized instructor planning outline

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSN-VM.A.3