Docking Challenge Introduction
Teacher Notes

Grade Level: 5-9

Subjects: Math, Science, and Technology Education

Duration:

Background

• Recognizing Steady Motion [30 minutes]
• Recognizing Accelerated Motion [35 minutes]

Training

• Web-based Orbital Tutorial: First Look [20 minutes]
• Bottle Accelerometer [75 minutes]
• Centripetal Force Activity [125 minutes]
• Web-based Orbital Tutorial: Closer Look [35 minutes]

Docking

• Web-based Shuttle/ISS Orbital Simulator [35 minutes]
• Docking Activity [110 minutes]

Objectives:

Background

• observe and make measurements of an object experiencing steady motion
• make a prediction about accelerated motion
• be able to give a word definition of acceleration

Training

• develop an understanding of the relationship between orbital radius and orbital period
• use the Orbital Tutorial to collect orbital radius and orbital period data
• construct a graph of orbital period vs. orbital radius using the data from the Orbital Tutorial
• compare the results obtained from the Orbital Tutorial to other systems and models
  

Docking

• use their knowledge of orbits to design, test, and evaluate a procedure for the successful rendezvous of the Shuttle and the ISS
• plan and perform measurements and develop a means of calibrating movement for docking
• develop some form of communication protocol between pilot, thrusters and Mission Control
  
• evaluate systems for communicating and interpreting instructions
• devise and construct a suitable mechanism for completing the docking maneuver
  
• evaluate individual and team performance throughout the activity

Teacher-Led Activities:
Additional content material is provided in the Teacher Notes section of each activity. These activities are designed to stimulate student interest and curiosity, challenge your students, and encourage them to take risks in math and science. We want teachers to convey these messages to their students and to let them know it's okay to come away with questions.

Student-Centered Activities:
Students will use the hands-on activities to observe and measure characteristics of steady and accelerated motion. They will observe and demonstrate objects accelerating in a circle. They will measure and compare the relationship between orbital radius and orbital period. They will apply what they learn to develop a series of procedures to successfully rendezvous the Shuttle with the ISS using a web-based simulator. Finally, they will act out what they have learned in a virtual docking simulation that requires them to develop a clear protocol for position, direction of motion, and coordinated movement using a video camera, a cell phone, and a docking grid.

Resources:

Web sites: