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A round spacecraft against a starry sky, approaching an orange mass. The bottom of the spacecraft is orange and surrounded by a white semicircle.

Grades 2-5 Design a Heat Shield

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About this Activity

This activity is "Heat Shield." Follow the activity guide as you lead participants through a discussion on the technology needed to protect astronauts and spacecraft from intense heat upon leaving Earth’s atmosphere as well as re-entry into the atmosphere. You can use the slideshow to guide discussion and have participants investigate the topic. Participants can use the worksheets at the end of the activity guide to record thoughts and take part in an activity. activities can be led both synchronously or asynchronously.

For synchronous instruction, we recommend a platform that allows both for whole group discussion and for participants to interact in small groups.

For asynchronous adaptations, we provide suggestions for teachers to provide additional support for the activities and for participants to share their work with each other. To have participants work on this activity independently, share the activity sheet and slideshow with them and have them share using the platform of your choice.

Activity Slideshow

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A man and woman read an exhibit panel on Intrepid's flight deck while their child points at the propeller of an aircraft.
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