Let's Do Launch

Fran O'Rourke
Cedar Wood Elementary
Bothell WA

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[Exemplary Programs] - [Cedar Wood Elementary] - [Lets Do Launch] - [Mission to Mars]

Let's Do Launch is a simulation of the launch process performed by NASA with the space shuttle project. Students participate in a launch from start to finish and develop an invigorated interest in language, math, science, and technology while they experience first hand the thrill, the challenge, and the unique adventure of simulated space travel.

Goals and Objectives

• The goals of this project are to meet the challenges presented to our students in the 21st century by:
  • Promoting math and science across the content areas
  • Connecting exploration to science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, technology and the arts.
• The measurable objectives of this project will be:
  • To increase awareness of the past, present, and future and relate how they impact exploration and our world.
  • To increase the use of math and science concepts in a real life situation.
  • To recognize the importance of math and science.
  • To work cooperatively for the best possible decision.
  • To strengthen reading for concepts, ideas and information, while language skills are being reinforced.
• Let's do launch will stimulate critical and imaginative thinking, problem solving and effective decision making by individuals as well as groups.
• Let's Do Launch is a total hands on activity. Students will construct full scale model (living quarters) of the Space shuttle, study all the aspects of planning and then SIMULATE a MISSION, provide news coverage of the mission, perform experiments while on the mission, gather data from the mission, and debrief the mission.

Methods Used

January: Rocketry

• We will begin learning the basic principles of rocket propulsion and space craft guidance. Assembly and launch of individual rockets is a key component. The students will also look at past as well as future designs of craft.

February: Astronaut Training

• Students will become aware of the extensive training NASA astronauts must undergo before a mission-from tasting space food to learning about life support systems.

March: Journalism Training

• Each student will study and practice the elements of good journalism. They will then learn to use Publish It Easy on the Macintosh computer in preparing for the news paper they will publish covering events of the launch. They will also view CNN broadcast to emulate. (Students invited local press and television as well as CNN. One of the major local network affiliate stations turned the microphone over to the students who conducted a complete interview of the program participants. )

April: Scientist

• Students will be asked to design experiments they would like to see performed during the launch (while in space). They will need to think about the effects of micro- gravity on their experiments. As we go through this process the students will be encouraged to send their experiments to NASA to use on the Teacher in Space project. Astronomy will be covered as well this month.

May: Flight Training/Shuttle Crew

• All students will be given the opportunity to be trained in flight simulation. Trainees will then apply for crew positions that interest them. The applications will include a letter of interest, resume, two letters of reference one must be from a parent, application, and interview. The mission control, shuttle crew and news corps will then begin planning a time line for their simulated mission.

June: Mission

• The goal is to run a 24 hour mission. Students will be at their stations the entire time. Crew members will be in the shuttle the full time. They will experience the close quarters and hardships involved in space as well as conduct experiments and record data. Mission control will need to be in constant contact with the shuttle crew. (Parent Volunteers put in an intercom system)

• The shuttle will be in my classroom, mission control will be in the computer lab and the news corps will be located in the library.

  
  (Photos courtesy of Fran O'Rourke, Cedar Wood)

Evaluation

• The evaluation of this project will be an ongoing process.
• Observation and performance will be the main method of measurement.
• Mission success and student evaluations will be a key factor as well.

Benefits

• The benefit to students is overwhelming.
• Students will be given the opportunity to see the wide range of jobs available at NASA, from artist to scientist.
• The jobs available in the community for supporting NASA's shuttle project, from newscaster to electrician.
• Students will experience first hand why math and science skills are necessary in every day life.
• They will be turned on to subjects they once thought were dull and boring.
• They will see the connection from one job to another and how they all are inter-webbed.