Activity

On Target

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This On Target activity also includes:

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.

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CCSS: Designed
NGSS: Designed
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