Packing Up for the Moon: Human Exploration Project Engineering Design Challenge. Design, Build and Evaluate. A Standards-Based Middle School Unit Guide. Engineering By Design: Advancing Technological Literacy--A Standards-Based Program Series

The Human Exploration Project (HEP) units have several common characteristics. All units: (1) Are based upon the Technological Literacy standards (ITEA, 2000/2002); (2) Coordinate with Science (AAAS, 1993) and Mathematics standards (NCTM, 2000); (3) Utilize a standards-based development approach (ITEA, 2005); (4) Stand alone and coordinate with ITEA-CATTS Engineering by Design[TM] curricular offerings; (5) Reflect a unique partnership between NASA scientists and engineers and education professionals; and (6) Incorporate leading-edge insight and practical experiences for students on how NASA works and plans. These unit guides are designed to be practical and user-friendly. Design is a creative problem-solving process that leads to the development of new products and systems. In this unit, students will learn about and apply this process in developing a lunar plant growth chamber design. The criteria and constraints for this system are based on the unique conditions of the lunar environment and the current transportation technologies available. The current focus of NASA is reviewed as well as the new systems that are being developed for future missions. The science of the lunar environment and basic plant needs are presented. Resource documents including a Standards for Technological Literacy Program Responsibility Matrix are appended. [Cover title varies.]