Spacecraft Materials Kit
The theme of the ESA Spacecraft Materials Kit is materials engineering. It addresses the physical properties of selected materials in the context of building the Orion spacecraft. Based on an examination of various material cubes, pupils are challenged to determine which material would be best suited to building the various parts of the spacecraft.
The components of the kit enable pupils to investigate the physical properties of solids themselves. We have proposed several model experiments that will familiarise pupils with issues such as mass, electrical conductivity and magnetism. Using the kit provides an opportunity to introduce elements of the research method in school classes: taking measurements, recording data, presenting results, drawing scientific conclusions.
Want to see more ESERO-PL activities? Check out a full list, curated for the ECSITE participants, here.