Things to Consider

• Consider limiting materials or incorporating a budget to increase the complexity of this

challenge.

•

TEST

and

EVALUATE

will take some time for this challenge. Plan testing procedures

in advance based on available testing materials, space, and the number of student teams/

prototypes. If time is limited, consider having some teams focus on protecting the satellite

from high temperatures while other teams focus on cold temperatures. Pair “hot” and

“cold” teams so they may compare research and designs and collaborate on final

prototypes. Another option is to have paired teams build similar prototypes and assign

a different testing environment to each team. A third option is to conduct low temperature

testing and high temperature testing on separate days.

Suggested Materials

For the teacher

• balance or digital scale that can measure at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds)

• container of ice that is large enough to contain prototypes during low temperature testing,

such as an ice chest or large sink, and additional ice as needed

• heat lamp(s) or other safe sources of heat

• salt or rock salt (optional)

• second container that is large enough to contain prototypes during high temperature testing,

such as an ice chest or large sink (optional), and additional ice as needed

• thermometers or temperature probes (to measure external temperatures in testing areas)

• timers for testing areas

For each team

• access to a balance or digital scale that can

measure at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds)

• bubble wrap

• cardboard

• chenille stems

• cotton balls or cotton padding

• craft sticks

• foam trays, plates, bowls, cups, and/or pieces

• foil

• glue

• hot glue guns with glue sticks (optional)

• packing peanuts

• plastic containers, bottles, and/or cups

• plastic wrap

• recycled paper or newspapers

• ruler

• scissors

• string or yarn

• tape

• thermometer or temperature probe

(to measure temperature inside prototype)