We have ANOTHER Blast Off and...the fun just keeps getting better!

I know that it has been a while since I have blogged, however the work has not stopped for me and the Mableton Starbase 1.5 Club.  My time with 3rd graders came to a close a couple of weeks ago but not before we had an enormous amount of fun and learned a few things about aerospace engineering at the same time!  My 3rd graders became my experimental class because we were able to see what would work and not work during our time in class together, then we were able to make changes accordingly.  One thing that we noticed is that we really needed more than 4 weeks to complete our unit called "It's A Long Way Down!"  It took us about 6 weeks instead of 4 but I don't think that the students minded at all.  In the last couple of weeks together we tested out parachutes that the students designed and created based on the different variables that affect the speed of a falling parachute that WILL BE traveling in a different atmosphere than our own.  On our last meeting together, we used all of our knowledge on how aerospace engineers develop parachutes to slow down the ascent of spacecrafts or rovers, to test out our very own!  My students were thrilled when our administration dropped our models off of the roof of the building.  Mrs. Eisgruber, Mrs. Arends, Ms. Waters, and Mrs. Jones all joined us and helped with the drops!  All of the ladies have been critical to the development of this program at Mableton and it was only fitting that they join us for this culminating activity.  Unfortunately for my 3rd graders, they did not get the chance to work with the Starbase computers which have the PT Creo 3D Design software installed on them.  I just received the keyboards and mice that we have been waiting on complete the installation in the Starbase Lab.  I might just sneak them in for one last session so that they get to learn some 3D creation steps!

 The students hard at work creating their spacecrafts to explore a different planet.

 The students waiting patiently to test out different variables that affect the drop speed of their parachutes.

 This groups tested out different suspension line lengths to see which one fell the slowest.  The longest lines WON!

 Other groups tested out different canopy materials and canopy size to see which type fell the slowest.

 Then, students went back to the drawing board to design their final parachutes that would land their spacecraft models from the drop off the side of the roof. 

 Now, it was time to create our parachute models.  Let the fun and creativity begin!

 My fabulous 3rd graders patiently waiting for their parachutes and spacecrafts to be tested out from the roof!

Enjoy this video of a few of our parachute drops! (sorry about the sidewalk view at the end...first timer okay!)

This past week was my second week with 4th graders.  To say that these students are space enthusiast would be an understatement!  Our first week together we discussed our unit called "From Rockets to Rovers," and what we would be doing during our time together.  The students worked hard on picking their call sign names, and we discussed the basics of aerospace engineering.  My 4th graders have a tremendous amount of background knowledge on space and our solar system so we quickly went through the different aspects of space travel that aerospace engineers have to think about as they design and create rockets and rovers to explore other destinations.  We also got of on tangents about our solar system and the universe.  I could definitely see the spark of excitement in their eyes as we talked about how they might just be the first person to step foot on Mars one day, or develop a rover or robot that explored Jupiter or Saturn.  Gosh, I really relate to these students, as I too dreamed about going to space one day as a kid!  They really got excited when I told them about the mission that the Russell Elementary School Space Team has given us to help them out with their EVA this year. (spacewalk for those that don't know...lol)  We are going to design and create a module made out of PVC pipe for the Russell Astronauts to assemble while on their mission this year in May.  Also, as an added bonus, our Starbase 1.5 Club members have been asked to come visit and tour the Russell Space Center this month!  Next week, Starbase 4th graders will be working hard on the design of the module and working on the 3D design program on the computers!  I am extremely exhausted working both as a general education teacher and the Starbase Instructor, but I get so much enjoyment from both that it doesn't feel like work at all!  I love being a part of this and sharing our journey with everyone!  I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.  Until next time.......keep your eyes on the sky!