7-step lesson plan

aerospace engineering  week 6 lesson plan

I.

Identification

  • Module: Aerospace Engineering
  • Lesson Title: Introduction to orbital mechanics
  • Duration: Five hours
  • Author: John R. Hull
  • Date: Feb 1, 2001
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II.

Academic Content Standards

  • CA Physics 1-5
  • CA Chemistry 3,4,8,11
  • CA Algebra I 1,2,4,6,9-18,20,22
  • CA Algebra II 2-4,6-8,11,12
  • CA Geometry 12,17-19,21,22
  • CA Engineering Technology 2-6
  • CA Drafting Technology 1
  • CA Language Arts Reading 1,2; Oral 1; Listening/Speaking 1
  • SCANS 1-8
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III.

Preparation

  • Prerequisites, facilities, materials, equipment, web sites
  • Subject remedial reviews (graphing, exponents, trig functions, etc)
  • Long-lead planning (e.g., field trip reservations, guest invitations)
IV.

Lesson Objectives

  • Know Kepler's laws of planetary motion and be able to draw and label important parameters on an elliptical orbit.
  • Describe orbits geometrically and be able to draw and label an orbit in three dimensions.
  • Know the uses of various earth orbits.
  • Understand the concepts and geometry of space maneuvers and interplanetary travel.
  • Be familiar with the uses of satellites in studying earth resources and global change.
  • List the main subsystems of every satellite and describe the function each performs.
  • Make a set of drawings and a 3-D mockup of a satellite showing its subsystems.
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V.

Delivery (Teaching Strategies)

  • Hit all learning styles (visual, aural, physical, musical…)
  • Mix up teaching strategies (films, guided discussion, student-led teams)
  • Cultural and gender inclusive strategies
  • Appropriate balance of theory and mechanics
VI.

Guided Practice

  • Students will build a model satellite for a specific mission.
  • Use pictures to replicate or create  design
  • Legos are excellent materials, but common construction materials are also OK
  • Use the Tech museum or NASA sites for examples and some interactive design programs
  • Dounload and use NASA drawings to build an International Space Station Model.  This could be multi-year project leading to a sophisticated design.
VII.

Evaluation

  • Required for academic credibility, accreditation and learning
  • Evaluate against lesson objectives and standards
  • Authentic assessment is the buzz word; multiple guess may be suspect
  • Reports, speeches, group activities, journals, project judging all work
  • Constantly evaluate SCANS and literacy skills in all lessons