Orion Challenge VCS STEM Cadre

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.

A bit different from the space shuttle…

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

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?

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

What are the capabilities of the Orion Capsule?

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.

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!!!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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

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!!!

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!