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Title
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Making Models
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Type
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Primary: Laboratory
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Operation
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Infinite Potential
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Mission:
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Mission 5: Energy Security
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Print Page
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99
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Subjects
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Science and technology | Space technology | Science as inquiry | Science process skills | Modeling | Science
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Grades
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5 | 6 | 7 | 8
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Keywords
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Constance Adams, model, mental model, concept, relationship, structure, sketch, record, communicate, diagram, blueprint, CAD file, scale measurement, NASA, terrestrial, space, architecture, International Space Station, ISS
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Duration
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02:15:00 (HH:MM:SS)
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Audience
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Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
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Created On
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4/22/2009
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Copyright
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Photo: Peter Haydock, The JASON Project
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From: Infinite Potential Mission 5: Energy Security (pp: 99) |
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Making Models In this activity, you will make a variety of models to design a module for the international space station. These models will help you think about, create, and communicate your ideas and concepts to your fellow scientists and designers. |
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 Scientists like Constance Adams use many different types of models in their research and work. Mental models are used to envision concepts, relationships, and structures. Sketches are used to record these concepts on paper and communicate ideas to fellow scientists and designers. Diagrams, such as architect blueprints and Computer Aided Design (CAD) files help Constance with scale measurements of real world objects—either built or imagined. In her work at NASA, Constance uses all of these model types to develop and communicate her ideas of terrestrial and space-based architecture. In this activity, you will make a variety of models to design a module for the International Space Station (ISS). These models will help you think about, create, and communicate your ideas and concepts to your fellow scientists and designers.
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| Materials |
| | - materials provided by instructor
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| Lab Prep |
- Use print and online resources to learn about the history, role, modules, and future of the ISS.
- Discuss with your classmates how solar panels are used by the station to obtain sufficient energy to meet its operational and life support systems.
- Research and write about the challenge of energy generation, transfer, and transformation in space.
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| Make Observations |
- Examine a photo of the ISS. Based upon this image, create a diagram that illustrates the craft. Label and identify the parts and structures of the station.
- From your research, create a list of the current modules that comprise the station. Describe the role of each.
- Select one of your listed modules. Based upon your research and your understanding of its role and its overall appearance, draw a set of blueprints that could illustrate the interior of this module.
- On your blueprints, identify the flow of all energy transfers and transformations within the module.
- Exchange blueprints with another group. Discuss the strengths and limitations of each other’s design.
- Update your set of blueprints as needed. Then, using a variety of materials, assemble a 3D representation of your module.
- Critically analyze your scale model. Can a model like this be used in an investigation to learn more about the full-sized habitat? Explain. What sort of modifications would you need to make in order to transform this model into a subject for experimental testing and inquiry?
 | Journal Question
What can we learn from the International Space Station about meeting our planet’s energy needs? | |
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