MISSION:

SOLAR SYSTEM
NASA AND DESIGN SQUAD NATION TEAM UP TO
INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF ENGINEERS

SPACE-BASED
in collaboration with the
ENGINEERING
National Aeronautics and
CHALLENGES FOR
Space Administration SCHOOL AND
AFTERSCHOOL
PROGRAMS
GRADES 4–8
 d
National Aeronautics an
Space Administration
Headquar ters
6-0001
Washington, DC 2054

Dear Educators:
exciting
make this an especially
his tica ted sen sor s, and nimble spacecraft spa cec raf t made
sop t of NASA
Highly capable rovers, er 20 10 and August 2012, a flee
. Be twe en Oc tob lue s ab ou t the
era in space exploration e gathering c
ial ne igh bo rs. The ir accomplishments includ w or in the past,
est support life no
visits to many of our cel an din g the potential of Mars to
tem , un de rst exploration too k pla ce
evolution of the solar sys r own planet. So much
vid ing ins igh ts int o the development of ou t the Sc ien ce Directorate gave the
and pro sin gle Martian year) tha
of a have
during these 23 month
s (th e len gth Solar System missions
he Yea r of the So lar System. The Year of the am bit ion s a nd are
effort a special name—t ns have bold
lor ati on s. The se an d NASA’s future missio w ab ou t the
exp what we kno
set the stage for future SA continue to broaden
pe d wit h ad van ced technologies, helping NA
equip
solar system.
are the
young people of today
fut ure of exp lor ati on , we recognize that the l thi nki ng are the
As NASA prepares for
the ity, and analytica
d ast ron au ts of tom orrow. Creativity, curios l eff ort s to create
engineers, scientists,
an our educationa
en gin ee rin g too lkit , and we continually direct d sol ve cha llen ging
trusted tools of NASA’s to de vel op these skills as they inv
estigate an
you ng pe op le
experiences that allow
proble ms .
tional
ting Service’s (PBS’s) Na
wit h De sig n Sq ua d® Nation, Public Broadcas iso de s, an
er evision ep
NASA is proud to partn for kids that includes tel
ce Fou nd ati on -fun de d multimedia program to thi s pa rtnership is our belief
Scien rin g activities. Centr al
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interactive website, an
d ha nd s-o l play a vital role in sol
en gin ee rin g, an d ma thematics education wil ud tra dit ion of
gy, rt of our long, pro
that science, technolo sion: Solar System is pa
nty -firs t cen tur y. Mis aro un d rea l-world
the problems of the twe the activities
rin g fue ls spa ce exp loration. By structuring act ivit ies to be
ee
showcasing how engin tha t you will find the Missio
n: Solar System
e their
s, it is ou r ho pe s, en cou rag
engineering application g design proces
ys to en gag e you r stu dents in the engineerin
effective, innovative wa eering.
pursue a career in engin
st in spa ce exp lor ati on, and inspire them to
intere
en the
minds that will strength
like you wh o pla y a key role in preparing the ng pe op le and to
NASA supports people ring to life for you
s gui de to bri ng the possibilities of enginee ios ity, an d teach
nation’s future. Use thi foster their cur
llen gin g pro ble ms . Engage their creativity,
inspire them to solve cha
nce.
them to strive for excelle

Sincerely,

John M. Grunsfeld
for
Associate Administrator
ora te
Science Mission Direct
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Launch your kids into space exploration! In Mission: Solar System, NASA and Design Squad® Nation
bring kids fun, hands-on ways to think like NASA engineers. The guide’s hands-on activities and videos
let kids apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to solve design challenges.
Use this resource in school and afterschool settings to engage kids in engineering and in NASA’s
exploration of our solar system.

Project Components 4
Running a Challenge—Start To Finish 5
Introducing the Design Process 6
Tips for Facilitating Open-Ended Challenges 7
Why Have NASA and Design Squad Nation Teamed Up? 8
Resources from NASA and Design Squad Nation 9
Talking with Kids About Engineering 10
Education Standards 11
Professional Development Resources 13
Design Process Poster 14
Credits 15

The Mission: Solar System

engineering design challenges
deepen kids’’ understanding
of NASA’s missions, science
concepts, and the design
process. They will also
provide opportunities for
teamwork and hands-on
problem solving, and present
engineers as creative problem
solvers who design things
that matter and improve
people’s lives.

3
 PROJECT COMPONENTS
The standards-based challenges use readily available materials, give kids many ways to succeed, can be
done in an hour, and work well with both large and small groups. The challenges have the following
components and are downloadable at: pbskids.org/designsquad/links/solarsystem.
CHALLENGE 1
LEADER NOTES

soFt lanDing
The Leader Leader Notes
Notes give
Challenge: Design and build an airbag system that can safely land an egg dropped onto the floor.
learning goals: Science: Force, potential and kinetic energy, and the conservation of energy;
NASA: Airbag-landing systems; Engineering: Design process
you all you The leader notes include: an overview of the challenge and its connection to
NASA; tips to help you prepare for, introduce, run, and wrap up the activity;
nasa ConneCtion: Due to the extraordinary distances and harshness of deep space, it’s costly
and hard to send humans to explore planets, moons, and asteroids. So NASA uses robotic spacecraft.

need to run a
Three recent missions to Mars used an airbag-landing system to land rovers safely on the surface.

get reaDy aheaD oF time materials (per team)

• Inflate balloons. Blow up ten balloons per team. Soft Landing works well with

discussion questions that explore the science, engineering, and space-

Store them in a garbage bag. teams of two.

challenge
• Attach rubber bands. Providing inflated balloons • 2 hardboiled eggs
with rubber bands pre-attached will save time and (Have a few extra for the
frustration. Tie a small rubber band around each whole group.)
balloon’s neck to help kids attach them to their • 10 nine-inch balloons
frames. Use a “slip-through” knot—slip one end • 10 craft sticks
through the loop. Pull tight.

with kids.
• 8 small (i.e., ¾ inch) binder
• Get the videos. Go to pbskids.org/designsquad/ clips

related themes; and ways to make curriculum connections.

links/solarsystem. Download the Soft Landing, • 20 assorted rubber bands
Tracy Drain, and NASA videos. Be prepared to
• 2 small paper cups
project them. If you’re unable to show videos,
(3-ounce)
review the handout’s overview and steps and tell
• Tape (any kind)
kids about the NASA work described in the
overview and in Step 1. • 1 meter (39 inches) string
• Photocopy. Copy the handout (p. 12) and
performance assessment rubric (p. 38).

1 introDuCe the Challenge (10 minutes)

Set the stage
• Say: When you jump off something high, you absorb some of the energy by bending your knees and
back. That’s what shock absorbers do—absorb the energy of an impact. What materials absorb shock
well? (Soft, springy things, like balloons, marshmallows, cotton balls, foam, and air-filled packing material)
• Tell kids the challenge and show them the Soft Landing video.
Relate it to NASA missions
Say: Because sending people into space is difficult, NASA uses rovers for many missions. To land
safely on other worlds, the rovers must be protected. Three Mars missions used balloon-landing
systems: Mars Pathfinder and the two Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity). Today, you’ll
model this by protecting the egg. Show one of the NASA videos of airbags deploying. If you can’t show a
video, discuss the Pathfinder landing story on the handout.
9

SOFT LANDING The Handouts Kids’ Handout

help kids
These reproducible handouts step kids through each challenge, providing
Spacecraft use airbags. Cars use airbags. Packages use airbags. Air
makes a great cushion. Three rovers have landed safely on Mars using
an airbag system.

build and
We chALLeNGe yOu TO…
…design and build an airbag system that can safely land an egg
dropped onto the floor.

them questions to brainstorm, building tips, illustrations, and interesting

mATerIALS (per lander)

troubleshoot
1. INDeNTIFy prObLem AND brAINSTOrm
• 2 hardboiled eggs
• How will you make a frame that holds the egg?
• 10 nine-inch balloons
• How will you attach balloons to your frame? • 10 craft sticks
• How should you arrange the airbags to absorb shock? • 8 small (i.e., ¾ inch) binder

stories about NASA missions related to the challenge.

clips

their projects.
2. DeSIGN AND buILD • 20 assorted rubber bands
• 2 small paper cups
Use the materials to invent your own design. (3-ounce)
• Tape (any kind)
• 1 meter (39 inches) string

WOrDS TO uSe
• force: A push or a pull
• shock absorber: Absorbs
the energy of an impact

3. TeST
• Drop your lander from a height of 1 meter (39 inches).
• Watch how it bounces and rolls. Did the egg break?

The DIY Videos Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Videos

show kids
having fun doing Each Mission: Solar System challenge has its own three-minute DIY video
the challenge, that shows kids doing the activity and talking about its science and
using the design engineering and its connection to NASA missions. Used as an introduction,
process, and the videos give kids a sense of the design possibilities and get them
applying science
concepts. excited about doing some creative problem solving. Used as a wrap-up, the
videos give you a way to reinforce the challenge’s science, engineering, and
NASA connection.

The Video Video Profiles of NASA Engineers

Profiles feature
NASA engineers These three-minute videos feature young, dynamic engineers who tackle
and help kids interesting problems related to NASA’s solar system missions. They put a
relate the work
they do in a
human face on engineering, showing engineers as well-rounded people with
challenge to interesting work and personal lives. The connections to the activities are
real-world general—the primary goal is to break down engineer stereotypes and
engineering.
showcase engineering as a rewarding career. Each video has a sheet with
discussion points and follow-up ideas to help kids make full use of the videos.

COMET
TEMPEL 1

PLUTO
Wall Poster
This full-color poster gives kids a dramatic visual guide to NASA’s Year of the
Stardust-NExT went to comet
NEPTUNE

MISSION: SOLAR SYSTEM

Tempel 1—a comet we had already
visited—-to study how comets
change over time.

EPOXI found that comet Hartley 2

Our solar system is filled with amazing places! How did they form? What is covered in large, glittering objects
are they made of? Can they support life? NASA spacecraft are exploring and releases chunks of dust and
fluffy ice.
our solar system to help us answer these questions, and more... COMET New Horizons is on its way to
HARTLEY 2 Pluto, but even while traveling
at over 579,000 kilometers
• Learn about these missions at: solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss. (360,000 miles) per hour, it will

Solar System missions. Post it so kids can easily read the fun mission facts,
take ten years to get there.
• Get space engineering activities at: pbskids.org/designsquad.

SATURN
THE MOON

ASTEROID
VESTA
Dawn will visit Ceres and Vesta—the
two largest asteroids in the asteroid
belt—to find clues about how the
solar system formed.

learn about solar-system destinations, and see images of the spacecraft.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
is orbiting the moon to make
detailed maps of its surface for Cassini explored Saturn and its
future moon landings. moons. It found liquid methane
GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft
lakes and an ammonia ocean on
around the Moon to measure and
Saturn’s largest moon, Titan and
map its gravitational field and learn EARTH
jets of water ice erupting hundreds
more about what’s inside its core.
of miles above the ice-covered
surface of Enceladus.

ASTEROID
Curiosity will sample Martian soil
and rock samples and analyze their
BELT
structure and chemistry to find out
it Mars could support life—in the
MERCURY past, present, or future.

MARS

URANUS

Messenger mapped Mercury’s

surface and found evidence of
volcanism, a huge core, and ice at The Venus Climate Orbiter will use
the poles. infrared and ultraviolet cameras to VENUS
map Venus’s atmosphere, telling us
more about its weather system. Juno will visit Jupiter to learn more (PLANETS NOT
about how it formed, how much
water is in its atmosphere, and the SIZED TO SCALE)
temperature of its swirling, dense JUPITER
clouds.

Sun
y

e
ur

er

us

un
rn
rth
rc

to
pit

an
tu

pt

Plu
Me

Ea

PLANETS SIZED TO SCALE

Ne
Ju

Ur
Sa

Design Squad Nation is produced by WGBH Boston. Major funding is provided by the National Science Foundation. Project funding is provided by Northrop Grumman Foundation and S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. Additional funding is provided by United Engineering Foundation (ASCE, ASME,
AIChE, IEEE, AIME). This Design Squad Nation material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0917495. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect
Ma J o r P roJ E C T a d d I TI o n a l
s

rs

the views of the National Science Foundation. © 2012 WGBH Educational Foundation. Design Squad Nation, AS BUILT ON TV, and associated logos are trademarks of WGBH. All rights reserved. All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Used with permission.This
nu
Ma

NASA/DesignSquad Nation challenge was produced through the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). PHOTO CREDITS: NASA/JPL-Caltech, Wikipedia Commons, spacestation-alpha.com, NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie fundIng f u n d In g fundIng
Ve

Institution of Washington, NASA, NASA/JPL-Caltech/Eyes, NASA/JPL-Caltech, NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI, : NASA/JPL, NASA, NASA/JPL-Caltech/MIT

4
RUNNING A CHALLENGE—START TO FINISH

Designed for kids in schools and afterschool programs, Mission: Solar System’s five hands-on challenges bring
to life NASA’s Year of the Solar System missions. Each challenge provides an engaging way to integrate
science and engineering into your science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program.

BEFORE THE CHALLENGE

1 Choose a challenge. Consider your curricular goals and consult the activity overviews to choose a
challenge that works for you.
2 Read the Leader Notes. Find out what to prepare ahead of time, the materials you’ll need, and how to
lead kids’ exploration, troubleshoot potential issues, and wrap up the session.
3 Try the challenge. A practice run will help you figure out the best way to introduce the activity, anticipate
potential questions and issues your kids may have, and identify modifications you may want to make.
4 Get ready. Use this section to determine what you’ll need to prepare. You’ll also want to download and
preview the videos listed here. Get them at: pbskids.org/designsquad/links/solarsystem.
5 Copy the Handout and Assessment Rubric. The black-and-white pages are designed to reproduce well
on a photocopier.

DURING THE CHALLENGE

1 Introduce the challenge. Kick things off with the provided discussion prompts and everyday examples.
Then show the DIY and NASA videos. Your kids will be inspired by seeing other kids tackling the
challenge and will understand how the activity relates to NASA’s exploration of the solar system. If you’re
unable to show videos, tell kids about the NASA connections described in the challenge overview and in
the “Relate it to the NASA missions” section. Also review the handout’s overview, steps, and stories.
2 Identify the problem, brainstorm, and design. Use the discussion prompts to get kids thinking about
different ways to meet a challenge. Since an open-ended challenge offers kids many ways of succeeding,
this section jump-starts their thinking about various possibilities and approaches.
3 Build, test, evaluate, and redesign. Use the strategies in this section of the Leader Notes to assist kids
when issues arise as they work through a challenge. To help teams build and work effectively, give them
the assessment rubric and discuss its four performance criteria.
4 Discuss what happened. Use the questions (and answers) in the wrap-up section of the Leader Notes to
review the challenge’s science and engineering concepts, help kids reflect on how they used the design
process (see page 4), and highlight how the challenge relates to NASA’s solar system explorations.
5 Show the NASA engineer profile. These videos show young, dynamic NASA engineers tackling
interesting problems related to NASA’s missions and highlight how exciting engineering can be.
Download the companion sheet with discussion prompts and follow-up ideas.

FOLLOWING UP THE CHALLENGE

1 Extend the challenge. This section of the Leader Notes presents a few quick, fun ways that build on the
experiences kids have had in a challenge and further their exploration.
2 Curriculum connections. This section of the Leader Notes offers suggestions for how to tie kids’
challenge experiences to concepts commonly covered in science, math, and technology curricula.

5
 INTRODUCING THE DESIGN PROCESS

When NASA engineers try to solve a problem, they try different ideas,
learn from their mistakes, and try again. The series of steps engineers
use to arrive at a solution is called the design process.

Different versions of the design process exist. Yet, they all describe an
iterative process for developing effective solutions to problems. Design
Squad Nation’s design process (graphic on the right) is available as a
poster on page 14 of this Teacher’s Guide.

As kids work through a challenge, use questions such as the ones

below to talk about their work and tie what they are doing to specific
steps of the design process.

BRAINSTORM
• What are some different ways to tackle today’s challenge?
• Off-the-wall suggestions often spark GREAT ideas. How creative can
you be?

DESIGN
• Which brainstormed ideas are really possible, given your time,
tools, and materials?
• What are some problems you need to solve as you build your
project?
• How can a sketch help clarify your design?

BUILD
• What materials will you need?
As kids work through a challenge,
• What can you learn by looking at other kids’ projects? they’ll see that the steps of the design
process encourage them to think
creatively to solve a problem and
TEST, EVALUATE, AND REDESIGN produce a successful result.
• Why is it a good idea to keep testing a design?
• What specific goal are you trying to achieve, and how will you know
if you’ve been successful?
• How does the design meet the criteria for success presented in the
challenge?

SHARE SOLUTIONS
• What’s the best feature of your design? Why? This NASA video introduces kids to
one version of the engineering design
• What was the hardest problem to solve? process and the methods engineers
use to approach and solve problems.
• What were the different steps you did to get your project to work? Get it at: www.nasa.gov/audience/
• If you had more time, how would you improve your project? foreducators/best/edp.html.

6
TIPS FOR FACILITATING
OPEN-ENDED CHALLENGES
Emphasize creativity. There are multiple ways to successfully tackle
a challenge, and one successful solution is as good as another. Help
kids see that the challenges are not competitions. Instead, they’re
opportunities to unleash an individual’s ingenuity and creativity.

Tap the power of brainstorming. Have kids come up with several

ways to solve a problem before they move ahead with an idea.

See problems as opportunities. When something’s not going as

desired, encourage kids to try again. Problems are opportunities for
learning and creative thinking.

Use questions to guide kids. When kids feel stuck, have them
explain why they think they got the results they did. Then ask
questions to get kids back on track rather than telling them what to
do. For example, ask: “Why do you think this is happening?” or “What
would happen if…?” or “What is another thing you could try?”

If a design doesn’t work as planned,

encourage kids to try again. Setbacks
often lead to design improvements and
to ultimate success.

FIT THE GUIDE’S CHALLENGES INTO ANY PROGRAM

Classrooms, afterschools, clubs, and other ongoing programs
Mission: Solar System challenges provide fun ways for kids to apply the design process and core
science concepts. Each activity is distinct, offering kids variety, letting them unleash their creativity,
and helping them practice important skills, such as problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Events and other one-time occasions
Take Mission: Solar System activities to a museum, library, mall, or university and spark kids’ interest
and confidence in engineering with a lively, fun-filled event. The Inspector Detector challenge is especially
good for events like science and engineering days—it uses simple, readily available materials, and is
open ended, with multiple solutions that engage a wide variety of ages and ability levels.

7
 WHY HAVE NASA AND
DESIGN SQUAD NATION TEAMED UP?
It’s a natural! NASA is one of the biggest employers of engineers in the world—over 90,000 between its own
employees and its corporate partners. Clearly, NASA’s work depends on engineers. Not surprisingly, NASA is
deeply committed to getting kids excited about engineering and inspiring them to become engineers.

And Design Squad Nation is all about engaging kids in engineering. Its award-winning TV program, website,
and hands-on challenges highlight the fun, excitement, and rewards of engineering. Kids see that engineering
not only can unleash their creativity, it can also offer an approach to challenges that enables people to make
a real difference and change the world.

By teaming up to bring you the Mission: Solar System set of resources, NASA and Design Squad Nation put
fun, hands-on challenges in the hands of educators whose goal is to make engineering and the adventure of
space exploration real and relatable for kids.

NASA’S EXPERTISE IS EXPLORING SPACE

What’s out in space? What will we find? What can we learn just by trying to get
there, that will make life better here on Earth? NASA has been working for over
50 years to answer these questions. Its mission? To pioneer the future in space
exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.
NASA scientists and engineers work in laboratories, on airfields, in wind tunnels,
and in control rooms at NASA’s ten centers around the country and even in
different countries. NASA’s work is divided into four main areas:
“NASA’s engineers do some
• Aeronautics: pioneers and tests new flight technologies that have practical of the most amazing things
applications on Earth and improve our ability to explore space. ever undertaken by mankind.”
David E. Steitz, NASA
• Exploration Systems: creates new capabilities and spacecraft for affordable,
sustainable human and robotic exploration.
• Science: explores Earth, the moon, Mars, and beyond; charts the best route
of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for
society.
• Space Operations: provides technologies through the International Space
Station, the Orion space capsule, the Space Launch System rocket, and
flight support.

DESIGN SQUAD NATION’S EXPERTISE IS

ENGAGING KIDS IN ENGINEERING
Design Squad Nation is a powerful multimedia way to open kids’ eyes to the Imagination fuels innovation.
exciting world of engineering. The award-winning website gives kids a forum to To explore the frontiers of
brainstorm, submit project ideas, and respond to other kids’ ideas. It also Earth, the solar system, and
the universe, NASA engineers
provides parents and educators with resources that bring engineering to life for work on the coolest stuff, find
kids and empower them to use their ingenuity to solve problems. Its Emmy and solutions to extraordinary
challenges, and turn dreams
Peabody Award-winning television series lets kids see teens working on amazing, into realities.
sometimes wacky projects that showcase the fun and creativity involved in
engineering. Page 9 lists Design Squad Nation resources that get kids excited
about engineering.

8
RESOURCES FROM NASA AND
DESIGN SQUAD NATION

FROM DESIGN
FROM NASA
SQUAD NATION
NASA offers many ways to enhance kids’ explorations Design Squad Nation is a diverse program designed
of the solar system. The websites below will quickly to inspire the next generation of engineers. Check
connect you to a host of resources. out the following resources in the website’s Parents
and Educators area: pbskids.org/designsquad/
NASA’s education program (K–12). Find a variety of parentseducators.
resources for students and educators. You can
identify teaching materials by keyword, grade level, Engineering-design challenges. Like the hands-on
or subject at this NASA education hub. challenges in this guide? There are 60 more,
nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/index.html covering such topics as electricity, force and energy,
and technology and materials.
Year of the Solar System (K–14). Get a host of
activities and related resources (e.g., images, Scientist and engineer profiles. Like the Mission:
animations, videos, interactives, and podcasts) Solar System engineers video profiles? We’ve got
related to the 11 Year of the Solar System missions, dozens more of engaging, young engineers tackling
organized by grade and searchable by topic. interesting problems and showing that engineering
solarsystem.nasa.gov/yss is a rewarding career that helps make the world a
better place.
NASA Wavelength (K–16). Explore this peer-
reviewed collection of digital Earth and space- Online games. Kids can use their problem-solving
science resources for formal and informal and engineering skills in the multiplayer game
educators. The site’s social media features even let DESIGNit, BUILDit, FIDGiT; and can compose music
you share your favorites with others. playing the String Thing interactive.
nasawavelength.org
Interactive community. Kids can submit photos and
NASA Solar System Exploration (K–16). Access sketches of their designs and projects and see what
resources for planets, missions, news, and other kids have made. Educators can get project
education at this one-stop-shopping website devoted ideas for their own students.
to solar system exploration. solarsystem.nasa.gov

NASA Robotics Education (K–12). Innovation,

creativity, problem solving—the world of robotics at
NASA is all of these things. Visit this site to see if
robotics might be in your future.
nasa.gov/education/robotics

Eyes on the Solar System interactive (5–8).

Download this visualization tool to explore the solar
system in 3-D using real mission data. Control your
experience and see planets up close, hop on an
asteroid, watch the solar system move in real time,
and fly a spacecraft. eyes.nasa.gov

9
 TALKING WITH KIDS
ABOUT ENGINEERING
Few kids can say what engineering is or what an engineer does. Yet once they
find out, many are hooked! You can be the one to help a young person discover
just how cool engineering can be. As you work with kids, use the information
below to talk with them about engineering.

WHAT’S AN ENGINEER?
Engineers dream up creative, practical solutions and work with other smart,
inspiring people to invent, design, and build things that matter. They are
changing the world all the time.

WHAT DO ENGINEERS DO?

• Think creatively. Engineering is an ideal outlet for imagination and creative
problem solving—an ideal field for independent thinkers.
• Work with great people. Engineering takes teamwork. As an engineer,
you’ll be surrounded by smart, creative, inspiring people.
• Solve problems and design things that matter. Engineers improve
peoples’ lives by tackling problems, improving current designs, and coming
up with solutions no one else has thought of.
• Change the world and make a difference. Among many other pursuits,
engineers develop systems that save lives, prevent disease, reduce
poverty, and protect our planet.
You can be the one to help
HOW DO ENGINEERS IMPROVE PEOPLE’S LIVES a young person discover just
how cool engineering is.
AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
• Build spacecraft that travel to the moon
• Develop state-of-the-art cell phones
• Create more fuel-efficient cars
• Invent artificial retinas for the blind
• Design lighter bike frames
• Construct tall skyscrapers and high bridges
• Build systems that purify water and process waste
• Design clothing that repels mosquitoes
• Create satellites that detect drought around the world
• Develop a feather-light laptop

WHAT’S ENGINEERING?
“Engineers get to imagine the “Engineering is about thinking “The best part of being an “Every day I see things that
future and design for it.” through problems, finding engineer is the creativity could be made better by just
Marisa Wolsky, Design Squad solutions, and helping that’s involved and the applying some good
Executive Producer people.” satisfaction that comes from engineering know-how.”
Daniele Lantagne, solving hard problems.” Jessica Miller,
environmental engineer Jananda Hill, biomedical engineer
computer-science engineer

10
EDUCATION STANDARDS
NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS

PRACTICES
1. Asking questions, defining problems (ALL CHALLENGES)
2. Developing and using models (ALL CHALLENGES)
3. Planning and carrying out investigations (ALL CHALLENGES)
4. Analyzing and interpreting data (CHALLENGE 4)
5. Using math and computational thinking (CHALLENGE 5)
6. Constructing explanations (ALL CHALLENGES)
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information (ALL CHALLENGES)

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
1. Patterns (CHALLENGE 5)
2. Cause and effect (ALL CHALLENGES)
4. Systems and system models (CHALLENGE 3 and 5)
5. Energy and matter (ALL CHALLENGES)
6. Structure and function (CHALLENGES 1–4)

CORE AND COMPONENT IDEAS

Physical Science
PS2: Motion and Stability
PS2.A: Forces and motion (ALL CHALLENGES)
PS2.B: Types of interactions (ALL CHALLENGES)
PS3: Energy
PS3.A: Definitions of energy (CHALLENGE 4)
PS3.B: Conservation of energy and energy transfer (CHALLENGE 3)
PS3.C: Relationship between energy and forces (CHALLENGE 4)
Engineering Design
ETS1.A: Defining and delimiting an engineering problem (ALL CHALLENGES)
ETS1.B: Developing possible solutions (ALL CHALLENGES)
ETS1.C: Optimizing the design solution (ALL CHALLENGES)

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

ASSOCIATION CONTENT STANDARDS
DESIGN
• Standard 8: Attributes of design (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Standard 9: Engineering design (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Standard 10: Role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention
and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving (ALL CHALLENGES)

11
 ABILITIES FOR A TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
• Standard 11: Applying the design process (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Standard 12: Using and maintaining technological products and systems (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Standard 13: Assessing the impact of products and systems (ALL CHALLENGES)

THE DESIGNED WORLD

• Standard 16: Selecting and using energy and power technologies (CHALLENGES 1, 3, 4)

MASSACHUSETTS SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING STANDARDS

PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADES 3–5

• Properties of Objects and Materials (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Forms of Energy (CHALLENGES 1, 2, 3, 5)
• Magnetic Energy (CHALLENGE 5)

PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADES 6–8

• Forms of Energy (CHALLENGES 1, 3, 5)
• Motion of Objects (CHALLENGES 1, 5)

TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING
• Materials and Tools (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Engineering Design (ALL CHALLENGES)

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS

OF MATHEMATICS STANDARDS

CONTENT
• Measurement—Grades 6–8 (Understand metric and customary systems
of measurement) (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Data Analysis—Grades 3–5 (Design investigations to address a question
and consider how data collection methods affect the nature of the data set;
collect data using observations, surveys, and experiments; represent data
using tables and graphs) (ALL CHALLENGES)
• Algebra—Grades 6–8 (Represent, analyze, and generalize a variety of patterns with tables, graphs, words,
and when possible, symbolic rules) (CHALLENGE 4)

PROCESS
• Problem Solving—Grades K–12 (Apply and adapt appropriate strategies to solve problems; solve
problems that arise in mathematics and other contexts) (ALL CHALLENGES)

12
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
FROM DESIGN SQUAD NATION

Looking for ways to integrate the design process into your lessons? New to leading hands-on
challenges? Want to get kids excited about engineering? Design Squad Nation offers a suite
of free, online professional-development resources. Check them out by clicking the “Training”
link at: pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators.

MISSION: SOLAR SYSTEM TRAINING VIDEO

See the Mission: Solar System resources in action in this five-minute video.
Watch how an educator creates a rich, multi-faceted learning experience for
kids by integrating the DIY, Engineer-Profile, and NASA videos into a
hands-on design challenge.

LEADING HANDS-ON ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES ONLINE

WORKSHOP
Use this free, 75-minute, self-paced tutorial to help you build skills and
confidence in leading hands-on, open-ended engineering design challenges
with kids.

TRAINING OTHERS
Train volunteers, parents, and mentors how to lead engineering activities
with kids. This one-hour slide show comes with talking points, printable
handouts, and preparation tips.

HOW-TO SHEETS
talkIng WIth kIdS
aBout engIneerIng
Few kids can say what engineering is or what an engineer does. Yet once they
find out, many are hooked! You can be the one to help a young person discover

Find helpful How-To sheets in the front section of each guide. Topics covered
just how cool engineering can be. As you work with kids, use the information
below to talk with them about engineering.

What’S an engIneer?
Engineers dream up creative, practical solutions and work with other smart,
inspiring people to invent, design, and build things that matter. They are

include: Introducing the Design Process, Talking to Kids about Engineering

changing the world all the time.

What do engIneerS do?

• Think creatively. Engineering is an ideal outlet for imagination and creative
problem solving—an ideal field for independent thinkers.

and Invention, Setting up an Engineering/Invention Club, Hosting an Event,

• Work with great people. Engineering takes teamwork. As an engineer,
you’ll be surrounded by smart, creative, inspiring people.
• Solve problems and design things that matter. Engineers improve
peoples’ lives by tackling problems, improving current designs, and coming
up with solutions no one else has thought of.
• Change the world and make a difference. Among many other pursuits,

and Working With Kids.

engineers develop systems that save lives, prevent disease, reduce
poverty, and protect our planet.
You can be the one to help
hoW do engIneerS Improve people’S lIveS a young person discover just
and make the World a Better place? how cool engineering is.

• Build spacecraft that travel to the moon

• Develop state-of-the-art cell phones
• Create more fuel-efficient cars
• Invent artificial retinas for the blind
• Design lighter bike frames
• Construct tall skyscrapers and high bridges
• Build systems that purify water and process waste
• Design clothing that repels mosquitoes
• Create satellites that detect drought around the world
• Develop a feather-light laptop

What’S engIneerIng?
“Engineers get to imagine the “Engineering is about thinking “The best part of being an “Every day I see things that
future and design for it.” through problems, finding engineer is the creativity could be made better by just
Marisa Wolsky, Design Squad solutions, and helping that’s involved and the applying some good
Executive Producer people.” satisfaction that comes from engineering know-how.”
Daniele Lantagne, solving hard problems.” Jessica Miller,
environmental engineer Jananda Hill, biomedical engineer
computer-science engineer

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTION

Get the latest news about Design Squad Nation and engineering education.
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, and friend us on
Facebook. We’ve got an Educator page just for you at:
facebook.com/DesignSquadEducators.

13
THE
DESIGN
PROCESS
USED BY BOTH INVENTORS AND
ENGINEERS, THE DESIGN PROCESS
HELPS PEOPLE THINK CREATIVELY
ABOUT A PROBLEM AND PRODUCE A
SUCCESSFUL RESULT. THE DESIGN
PROCESS IS A GREAT WAY TO TACKLE
ALMOST ANY TASK.

pbskids.org/designsquad nasa.gov
Design Squad Nation™/© 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation.
CREDITS
This Design Squad Nation guide was produced by the WGBH Education Department.

Director of Education Senior Executive Producer Erich Landstrom

Denise Blumenthal Kate Taylor Physics Teacher
Seminole Ridge
Education Outreach Manager Series Executive Producer Community High School
Mary Haggerty Marisa Wolsky Loxahatchee, FL

Education Content Manager NASA Advisors Jessica McKellar

Sonja Latimore Mitzi Adams Engineer Mentor
Solar Scientist Science Club for Girls
Editorial Project Director NASA Marshall Space Cambridge, MA
Chris Randall Flight Center
Focus Group Participants
Associate Editor Dr. Barbara A. Cohen (8 formal and 8 informal
Lauren Feinberg Planetary Scientist educators)
NASA Marshall Space Marie Behnke
Outreach Coordinator Flight Center Michael Buist
Anna Hohos Christine Cook
Dr. William J. Cooke Rafael Enriquez
Writers Meteoroid Environment Susan Erickson
Jeffery Lockwood Office Lead Donna Falk
Chris Randall NASA Marshall Space Erich Landstrom
Flight Center Mike MacEwan
Creative Director Jessica McKellar
Alison Kennedy Katie Hessen Kim Moore
Education and Public Outreach Christina Nicolson
Designer Specialist Donna Parker
Colin Mahoney NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Jen May Pastores
Mary Saville
Illustrator Education Content Advisors Douglas Shattuck
Hannah Bonner K. Scott Kutz Kathleen Whitney
Engineering & Technology
Print Production Education Teacher
Lenore Lanier-Gibson Westlake High School,
Westlake, OH

Special thanks to the kids and staff at the Park School Summer Camp (Brookline, MA); Michael
Driscoll School (Brookline, MA); and Lowell Elementary (Watertown, MA) for testing these activities
and giving them their stamp of approval.

Cover Photo Credits: NASA

15
BRING ENGINEERING TO LIFE FOR KIDS
PBS’s Design Squad Nation combines real-world engineering problems with readily
accessible materials so kids can unleash their ingenuity and think like engineers.

ACTIVITY GUIDE
ENGINEERING
CHALLENGES
FOR 9- TO

Mission: Solar System’s

12-YEAR-OLDS

companion guide On the

DESIGN SQUAD
INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF ENGINEERS
Moon has six engineering
challenges that spotlight
NASA’s moon missions.

LIKE THESE CHALLENGES?

There are over 60 more! Each one has leader notes, handouts, and related
TV episodes, animations, and engineer-profile videos.
Visit: pbskids.org/designsquad.

Check out these

NASA resources on

The NASA Physics and Engineering The NASA Planetary Science

Collection brings you videos and Collection brings you videos and
interactives exploring real-world interactives of what NASA
applications of these subjects. missions have discovered about
the planets, moons, and other
objects in the solar system.

M A J OR F U N D I N G PROJ E C T FUNDING A DDITIONA L FU NDING

Design Squad Nation is produced by WGBH Boston. Major funding is provided by the National Science Foundation. Project funding is provided by Northrop Grumman Foundation and S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. Additional funding is
provided by United Engineering Foundation (ASCE, ASME, AlChE, IEEE, AIME). This Design Squad Nation material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC-1129342. Any opinions,
findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. © 2013 WGBH Educational Foundation. Design
Squad and Design Squad Nation are trademarks of WGBH Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. All thrid party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This NASA/Design Squad Nation
challenge was produced through the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Grant No. <NNX12AB47G> issued through the Science Mission Directorate.