Design a Discovery Mission: A Performance-Based Assessment Activity


Objectives | About this activity | Procedure| Quiz Answers | Extensions
Grade Level:7 - 10
Mathematics Topics:General mathematics, Pre-algebra, Algebra
Science Topics:Astronomy, Space Science, the Solar System

Objectives: Students will be able to

    Science Objectives

  1. describe scientific purposes of typical spacecraft science instruments.
  2. interpret and explain information generated by exploration of a scientific phenomena.
  3. employ the language, instruments, methods and materials of science for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and communicating information.

    Mathematics Objectives

  4. solve problems with applications to real-world situations.
  5. apply algebraic concepts in the real world in problem solving situations using expressions, equations, tables, and graphs.

(Note: These objectives are based on the Maryland School Performance Program (MSPP) math and science core learning goals.)

About this activity

Students will experience the process of assigning science instruments to a NASA Discovery Program mission similar to the NEAR mission. This activity was written with the intention of giving science and mathematics teachers a way to use the Internet in their classroom. (Before allowing students direct access to the Internet, be sure you are aware of your school's Acceptable Use Policies. If your school does not yet have a policy, you might want to look into this before allowing students access.) We have also developed a downloadable version and a hard copy for those classrooms not yet connected to the World Wide Web (WWW).

Procedure

This activity is designed so that students can accomplish it online. It can also be accomplished by printing out the downloadable version or using the hard copy version. It was our intent to have students work in teams on this project as most scientists work. This does not prevent you from having students work individually. The activity requires little instruction, but students still need to be supervised and guided. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the procedure so that you can better facilitate the activity.

  1. The students are given a short overview of the activity. They are given step-by-step instructions to follow to successfully complete the task.
  2. Students start by gathering information about NASA Discovery Missions using the given page and the link to NASA's page on Discovery Missions. Students should understand the following about the NASA restrictions on Discovery Missions after completing this section: They will be given an online quiz on this material after reading it.

  3. The students should next gather information on the moons of Mars, Deimos and Phobos. They are given four links to web pages that have information on these bodies. They are also given the option of exploring the WWW further for more information on Deimos and Phobos by using one of the many search engines on the WWW. The limit of the search is only limited by your time, grade level, and the availability of your resources. They will be given an online quiz on this material after reading it.

  4. The students will then be given a list of the science objectives of the mission. They need to understand what the goals of the mission are so they can select appropriate instruments.

  5. The students are then asked to examine the cost and weight limitations that they must adhere to for the mission. They are then asked to decide how much they will be able to spend on their science instruments and how much they can weigh. They should set aside a contingency fund for problems which may arrive. They are told to estimate a 10% contingency. You may want to check their contingency half way through the assessment by having their budgets cut (e.g. Congressional cuts, Instruments will cost more than you planned, etc.). They will be given an online quiz on this material after reading it.

  6. Your students will next move to a table of instruments which lists cost (in millions of dollars), weight (in kg), and power usage (in watts). Each of the instruments and some of the categories have links to descriptions of the instrument or category. The students should review the equipment to see which instruments would be necessary to accomplish the science goals. They should keep in mind trying to come in with the lowest bid. (NOTE: Not all of the listed instruments are needed for this mission.) They should also be keeping in mind the constraints they have. You may wish to have printed out the Proposal Form for them to take notes on. See the Technical Information section of this document for information about printing a page.

  7. Your students will then be asked to pick their science instruments using the provided information. They will have to justify their choices by writing a proposal following the guidelines set out for them. The proposal will include all the information about the instruments and an explanation of why they chose their instruments. They can do this online if you have their computer is connected to a printer. They simply fill in the text fields provided in the Proposal Form.

Answers to Quizzes

Discovery Program
Quiz

  1. C
  2. B
  3. A
  4. C
  5. A

Mars' Moons
Quiz

  1. C
  2. B
  3. A
  4. B
  5. C

Payload Restrictions
Quiz

  1. B
  2. A
  3. A

Possible Extensions

You may wish to incorporate one or more of the following extensions based on the level of your students. In addition, you can use this activity more than once with the same class by using the extensions. Please let us know of any other extensions you come up with for this activity.
Table of Contents for no frames/no JAVA browsing.
[LMGFP home page] Contact Steve Bowser (slbowser@umd5.umd.edu) or
Joy Maloney (jmaloney@umd5.umd.edu) for further information.