Space Fridge STEM Challenge (Astronaut Food Science & Engineering)
Students learn about the systems that keep astronauts safe during re-entry and recovery. Their mission is to design a heat shield to protect their spacecraft and crew.
Grades: 2nd - 7th
Teaching Duration: 2 days
“I used this resource for a specialized class - Space Cadets. We are learning about space and NASA during enrichment time at my school. These students loved this activity! ”
lesson overview
Heat Shield Space Exploration STEM Challenge
Students learn about the systems that keep astronauts safe during re-entry and recovery. Their mission is to design a heat shield to protect their spacecraft and crew.
Real-world STEM Connection:
Material Scientist
NASA's Orion spacecraft
Science of heat shields
As with many STEM activities, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.
Included in this product:
Detailed teachers guide with links to resources
Editable teacher companion presentation slides
Photos and videos of student examples
Editable printed student handouts to guide them through the design process
Videos to motivate and support learning
STEM Career Connections and real-world examples
Science handouts
Student recording sheet for each step of the process
Suggested Materials:
Hair dryer
¼ of regular Hershey’s chocolate bar (per test)
Tongs
Large binder clip
Thermometers
Masking tape
Scissors
Foil
2 cardstock sheets
Cotton balls
Paper plate
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Looking for more STEM lessons? Find the Vivify resource guide here: bit.ly/VivifyResourceGuide
