TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Interdisciplinary Design Brief
Theme: Space Race
Context: NASA is beginning a project to send a rocket containing a rover to Pluto as the
next step in investigating the dwarf planet. The distance to Pluto is so large that
the current rocket are not efficient enough to make it.
Challenge: Using a standard model rocket kit, design and build power efficient rocket, taking
into consideration design principles to deal with the forces that act upon the
rocket during flight.
Objectives: 1. Obtain information about the forces that act on rockets.
2. Research design characteristics that will help overcome the forces that act
upon the rocket.
3. Construct a model rocket using the gathered research.
Materials: Model Rocket kit, 1 rocket motor, miscellaneous supplies for assembly and
decoration of finished rocket
References: [Link]
Evaluation: Keep a portfolio with ALL research in it.
Write a one page report summarizing what you learned about the forces that act
on rockets in flight and during takeoff. As well as what you learned about the
basics of aerodynamics.
Record the rockets apogee and the time it took to reach apogee and calculate
efficiency.
Discuss possible material the NASA rocket could be made out of to make it more
lightweight.
Interdisciplinary Theme Plan (Vertical Integration)
TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM Transportation INTERDISCIPLINARY THEME Space Race
For each discipline below select an appropriate concept and choose and activity to support the
theme. Also plan an assessment strategy for evaluating student outcomes. Keep in mind that you are
integrating the theme across as many disciplines as possible. (i.e., science, math, etc). Be creative and
innovative! Discuss this interdisciplinary theme plan with other teachers.
Technology concept: Engineering and design principles
Activity: Sketch out different fin designs and label their attributes for your portfolio.
Assessment: Compare the designs and choose the best one to provide stability to the rocket and work with the
aerodynamic forces of lift and drag.
Science concept: Newton’s Laws of Motion
Activity: Determine which Law applies to which stage of flight for the rocket.
Assessment: Draw a diagram illustrating your findings.
VERTICAL INTERGRATION
Mathematics concept: Formulas
Activity: Use the formula for Newton’s Second Law to determine the amount of force it took to fly your
rocket.
Assessment: Check your work using a calculator.
Social Studies concept: How society shapes technological developments.
Activity: Go to the History Channel website and study about the Great Space Race.
[Link]
Assessment: Discuss how politics and society have often pushed the developments of new technology.
Language Arts concept: Expository writing
Activity: Write a report summarizing the New Horizons project and how the new data will impact the
scientific community.
Assessment: Have the physical science teacher read and evaluate report to confirm comprehension.
Fine Arts concept: Design a logo for the outside of the rocket making it unique to its destination- Pluto.
Activity: Sketch a minimum of five different design concepts for your logo.
Assessment: Logos will be critiqued on how aesthetically pleasing the logos are as well as relevance to Pluto.
