Space Exploration Project Thinking about space sparks all kinds of wonder because so much is unknown. What are you most interested in? Tracking asteroids and comets? Studying the moon or other planets in our solar system? Investigating how stars form and change over time? Finding extraterrestrial life? Determining the fate of the Universe? Learning about the origins of space and time? Creating a vehicle for sightseeing tours to space? Developing a base for humans to live on another planet? Choose a current space exploration mission to research that is attempting to find out more about the topic you are interested in. Find out: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● What is the scientific purpose of the mission? What design challenges did the engineers face in developing the mission equipment? (Launch, data gathering, communication, energy needs, landing gear, etc) What instruments were designed and how do they work to meet the data gathering needs of the mission? What is the planned timeline for the active mission? (launch date, expected duration, expected expiration date) Did the timeline change over the course of the mission? What has been learned so far? Show and explain examples of images, or data gathered. Who are the people behind the mission? How many people work with it and what types of jobs are involved? Ask a question and request a few Mission Stickers via email from the program manager. CC your request to your teacher. Provide the mailing address of the school. What spin-offs have been developed from the technology used in the mission? Create: Create visual aids and a 3D model. Model materials must be provided by the student. (Meaning the students needs to have a plan and ask if we have necessary materials, then be willing to bring in materials the school does not already have available for student use.) Timeline: By Friday, Dec 7: Choose mission (each individual, no duplication of missions within the class). Whoever responds to the google classroom question first gets the mission. By Monday, Jan 7 : Research questions answered with sources listed. Email sent to program manager. By Monday, Jan 14: 3D model created. By Monday, Jan 21: Projects presented to class. Links: Current Missions: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/?type=current Spinoffs: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2017/
