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Phase 1 - Liftoff

Junior Space Explorer Challenge #1

Teacher Notes

This activity is appropriate for completion in small groups.
The amount of time required varies. Presentations can be time-consuming. To accommodate this, groups could present simultaneously to students in other classes. If this strategy is used, the presentations should be videotaped and reviewed by the teacher at a later date for assessment purposes.
This activity can be assessed using the accompanying rubric.
Students could also be asked to develop an evaluation form completed by their audience (see Student Instruction #3).
The activity can be made more, or less challenging by varying the materials provided.
Prior to assigning the task, the teacher may wish to discuss the problem solving process with the students. A sample outline of a process follows.

Problem Solving Process

Understand the problem. Talk about the problem in your group.
- a. What are you being asked to do?
- b. What knowledge should you demonstrate?
- c. What information is provided and what is needed?
Make a plan. Listen to the ideas of others in your group.
- a. What strategies will you use? (e.g. drawing, working model etc.)
- b. How will you use the materials?
Carry out the plan. Remember to be a contributing team member.
Review your solution and make revisions.
Communicate your solution.

Junior Space Explorer Challenge #1
Assessment Rubric

Category

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Understanding

Demonstrates limited understanding of geometric concepts

Demonstrates some understanding of geometric concepts

Demonstrates considerable understanding of geometric concepts

Demonstrates thorough understanding of geometric concepts

Inquiry

Uses problem solving with limited effectiveness

Uses problem solving with some effectiveness

Uses problem solving with complete effectiveness

Uses problem solving with a high degree of effectiveness

Clarity of Communication

Communicates with little clarity and precision

Communicates with limited clarity and precision

Communicates with consistent clarity and precision

Communicates with a high degree clarity and precision

Appropriate use of terminology

Uses little or no appropriate terminology and symbols

Uses some appropriate terminology and symbols

Uses appropriate terminology and symbols

Uses comprehensive terminology and symbols

Application

Applies few of the required skills and strategies

Applies some of the required skills and strategies

Applies most of the required skills and strategies

Applies all, or almost all of the required skills and strategies

Teamwork

Demonstrates few characteristics of effective teamwork

Demonstrates some characteristics of effective teamwork

Demonstrates many characteristics of effective teamwork

Demonstrates most characteristics of effective teamwork

Junior Space Explorer Challenge #1

Purpose:

to demonstrate an understanding of how angle measurement contributes to the success of a launch
to plan and use a set of steps in solving a practical problem

Materials:

string or yarn
protractor
tape
tacks
posterboard
markers

As Junior Space Explorers, your task is to explain to new recruits how angle measurement can ensure a successful launch.

Using the materials provided create a visual display to explain the role of angle measurement in ensuring a successful launch.
Present your display, accompanied by an oral explanation, to other Junior Space Explorers in training.
Ask your audience to rate your presentation according to
- a. scientific accuracy
- b. clarity and precision.