1. Orion Challenge VCS STEM Cadre

2. Objective: I will design, create and test an Orion capsules capabilities of its heat shield and landing.  Phase 1: Creation of Orion Model.  Phase 2: Creation and testing of heat shield.  Phase 3: Create a parachute system capable of performing a safe landing of a raw chicken egg from a height of 6 to 8 meters.

3. A bit different from the space shuttle… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEwshFC03EQ

4. Brainstorm….  Immediately, what differences do you notice between the space shuttle and the Orion program?

5. Read the article to the right at your desk and answer the questions on your lab sheet.  1. How is the Orion program different from the space shuttle?  2. How is the Orion space craft similar to the space shuttle?  3. What measures were put into place to enhance crew safety?  4. What is the purpose of the service module?

6. NASA’s Plan for 21 st century space exploration  When is NASA planning a manned mission using the capsule?

7. What are the capabilities of the Orion Capsule?

8. Create your own model  Step 1: Find attachment 1. Create a blueprint that matches the dimensions of the image to the left.  Step 2: Do the SAME thing for the “Bottom of the Capsule.”  Step 3: Calculate and record the Surface Area of the top and bottom of your design using the formula, Surface Area= πr 2  Step 4: Cut out the 2 sheet of paper/plates where it says cut.

9. Create your own model…continued  Step 5: Fold the Design and tape. You will do the same thing with the base, slightly overlapping the cut edges to make a “point” at the center on the bottom.  Step 6: Attach the top to the bottom with tape. You will need to make a lid with a hole up top for the temperature probe to go through.  REMEMBER, the TOP must provide ENOUGH space for a chicken egg to fit through!!!

10. Objective for Phase 2: I will design, create and test a heat shield capable of maintaining a livable temperature for humans inside the Orion Model Spacecraft.

11. Materials to construct heat shield  LIMITED Materials  You may only use the amount according to your surface area calculation!  Aluminum Foil  Parchment Paper  Saran Wrap  Fabric Squares  UNLIMITED Materials  (Within reason)  Tape (Scotch/Duct)  Popsicle Sticks  Paint  Toothpicks  Yarn Be careful, if you make your design to heavy, it may have a negative effect on your landing…

12. Heat Shield Data Collection  You will fill out the fowling information on your lab sheet:  Total time elapsed during test in seconds: ___________  Initial Temperature of capsule: ___________  Final Temperature of capsule: ___________  Total temperature change: ______________  Create a temperature versus time graph showing the temperature change inside your capsule.  Indicate the rate of change for the temperature inside the capsule.

13. Objective for Phase 3: I will design and construct a parachute system capable of safely landing a chicken egg on either sand or water at a drop distance of 6 to 8 feet.  Complete the Venn Diagram comparing a Water Landing versus a Sand Landing.

14. Let’s Discuss… What did you choose and why?

15. Complete the activity, “Parachutes, Circles And Pi…Oh My!”

16. Design your recovery system  Your capsule will be dropped from a height of 6-8 meters. The goal is not to crack your egg.  Based on what you learned from “Parachutes, Circles and Pi…Oh my,” create a parachute system to best protect your egg.  You will either be dropping your capsule into a water or sand pit.  You are limited to the following materials:  Garbage Bags, Plastic Bags, Coffee Filters, String, Tape, Stapler DON’T FORGET TO FILL OUT THE LAB SHEET!!!

17. Competition (optional slide)  Lowest Score Wins  Phase 1: Actual Surface Area – Students given surface area.  Phase 2: Final Temp – Initial Temp  Phase 3: No cracks = 0 points, Small Cracks = + 20 Points, Large Cracks = + 50 points  Add all 3 scores together. Lowest Score Wins!