http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_mars/cub_mars_lesson04.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, launchlaws of motionMarsNewtonorbitplanetrocketsolar systemspaceapoapsischemical rocketcold gas rocketelectrical rocketellipseescape velocityfociorbitperiapsisspecific impulsethrustuniversal gravitational constant

The purpose of this lesson is to teach students how a spacecraft gets from the surface of the Earth to Mars. Students first investigate rockets and how they are able to get us into space. Finally, the nature of an orbit is discussed as well as how orbits enable us to get from planet to planet — specifically from Earth to Mars.

Aeronautical engineers play an important role in the design of rockets for space exploration. These engineers must have a thorough understanding of Newton's third law of motion — or else the rockets would not leave the Earth's surface! Engineers are also experts in the concepts of thrust and specific impulse, so they are able to design efficient rockets. Engineers also lead the research that has resulted in the three primary rocket types used in space applications: chemical rockets, electrical rockets and cold gas rockets. Describe how a rocket must overcome the forces of gravity and drag in order to get out of the atmosphere.Explain that thrust is the force created by a rocket.Describe how an orbit is the balance of gravity and an object’s tendency to follow a straight path.Explain some challenges that engineers face in getting a rocket to Mars. 50TeachEngineering.orgGeoffrey HillDaria Kotys-SchwartzChris YakackiJanet YowellMalinda Schaefer Zarskehttp://mars.jpl.nasa.govhttp://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/orbits1.shtmlWertz, James R. and Larson, Wiley J. Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, Space Technology Library, Volume 8, New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, 1999.S11417BAInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyG. Transportation vehicles are made up of subsystems, such as structural propulsion, suspension, guidance, control, and support, that must function together for a system to work effectively. 68S11425BDColoradoScienceb. Describe methods and equipment used to explore the solar system and beyond 88S11425C1ColoradoSciencef. Recognize that mathematical models are used to predict orbital paths and events88S1142658ColoradoMatha. Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers including integers, positive and negative fractions and decimals 88S11426CFColoradoMathb. Use representations of linear functions to analyze situations and solve problems 88United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2011-05-278Teacher