TE Activity: Space Shelter
Contributed by: Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, Tufts University
Summary |
Engineering Connection |
| If it were necessary to build a shelter on another planet, many types of engineers would need to be involved. Civil and environmental engineers would be in charge of designing the structure, while electrical and mechanical engineers would design power sources for the shelter. Depending on the planet chosen and the complexity of the shelter other types of engineers, such as environmental or chemical engineers would be needed. |
Contents
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| Grade Level: 4 (3-5) | Group Size: Not defined |
| Time Required: 100 minutes |
Activity Dependency  :None |
Expendable Cost Per Group
:
Not defined |
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| Keywords: design, shelter, space, planets, atmoshphere, earth | |
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Related Curriculum
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| subject areas | Science and Technology |
Learning Objectives (Return to Contents)
- Research skills
- Planets
- Application of research results
- Design techniques
- Presentation skills
Materials List (Return to Contents)
- Library books
- Internet access (optional)
- Microsoft Powerpoint (optional)
- Papers
- Pens
- Markers
Introduction/Motivation (Return to Contents)
Imagine what it would be like to live on another planet. The earth is very different from the other eight planets of the solar system. It has an atmosphere abundant with oxygen for us to breathe, fresh water for us to drink, soil that enables us to grow food to eat, and resources that provide energy. The earth has been a successful biosphere for over 3.8 billion years. But if the human race was forced to leave earth, how would we adapt to living on another planet? Think of what you would need to survive, such as food, water, oxygen, and shelter. How would you create air, water, and food supplies on the new planet? What would you take with you from earth and how would you get to your new home? What are the conditions on the new planet (temperature, weather, climate, etc.)? How would you build a shelter to protect you from your new environment? An engineer would be responsible for addressing these types of problems. They would find solutions to help the human race survive on a new planet.
Procedure (Return to Contents)
Background
This lesson should coincide with a unit on the solar system.
Recommended Resources:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/living/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/spacestation/station/living.htm
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/cosmicquest/spacestation/teacher.html
Preparation
Assign or allow students to choose planets to research.
With Students
Earth has just been invaded by aliens, and humans must relocate to another planet. To ensure your survival beyond earth's occupation you must design a shelter that can be built on another planet. You will also have to consider how to get to your new or chosen planet from earth, and five items that you will take and why you choose them.
- Pick a planet that you would like to move to after earth is invaded. Research this planet and find out information about the new environment in which you will live. Some things to think about for survival are climate, atmosphere composition, surface composition, day length, distance from the sun, force of gravity etc. (see Space Shelter Research Guide)
- Design an ideal shelter that would allow you to survive on the new planet. Explain the characteristics of your house including materials used and special design features. You may need to design new materials to survive the harsh environments of other planets.
- Present your design to the class (this could be done in PowerPoint). The focus of the presentation should be the design and the feasibility of human survival (this will decrease the redundancy of presentations if several students pick the same planet). Use the Space Shelter Research Guide for other information that can be covered.
- A good homework extension: once you have designed your shelter consider what five items you would take with you and why. Have the student write a journal entry.
Attachments (Return to Contents)
Investigating Questions (Return to Contents)
- Why did you choose that planet?
- What features of your design will help you to survive on your planet?
- Why do people not live on that planet now?
- Where is a good place to find information about planets?
Assessment (Return to Contents)
Copyright
© 2004 by Worcester Polytechnic Institute including copyrighted works of other educational institutions; all rights reserved.Supporting Program (Return to Contents)
Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, Tufts UniversityLast Modified: September 26, 2008