STEM Heat Shields

NASA is planning on sending astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972!

The launch was supposed to happen way back on August 29th, but since then has been delayed repeatedly.

The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students spent a day learning all about NASA’s three part mission to send astronauts to the moon. Part 1 includes a flight test of the uncrewed spacecraft. Part 2 includes a crewed 21 day mission with a lunar flyby. Part 3 will be a crewed mission where astronauts will land on the Moon’s south pole.

The middle school students then learned about heat shields and their importance to the astronauts during their re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Using a variety of materials donated by parents, the students spent the next few days working in groups to design and build a heat shield to keep their chocolate astronaut from melting due to heat provided by a hairdryer.

 

Students tested their first designs for a total of 8 minutes, or until melting of their chocolate bar occurred.

 

After initial testing students went back to the drawing board to redesign their heat shields and go through the testing process again.

Students then compared their results between the two tests to determine which materials provided the best protection for their astronauts.

 

Students had a lot of fun incorporating a STEM activity into our back to school activities that tied in with current events. We are still eagerly awaiting the actual launch of the Artemis rocket. The next attempt is scheduled for October 2nd!