By studying Mercury and our efforts to reach there, we define and solve design and engineering problems, and approach scientific research in innovative and productive ways.

Spacecraft Design

Using MESSENGER Data

Staying Cool

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Spacecraft Design

Grades	Lessons
Pre-K - 2	Saving Space	Pushes and Pulls: Getting Into Space	TBD
3 - 4	The Geometry of Saving Space; Eyes on Mercury - Tools of Remote Sensing	Rocket Power	MESSENGER Design
5 - 8	What do you need to go to Mercury? What are the parts of a spacecraft? Problem-solving and brainstorming	How do we get it off the ground: a look at rockets	How do you keep the spacecraft light and strong? Making composite materials
9 - 12	How do we get there? In a spacecraft with a given trajectory. Marble trajectories with time synchronization demonstration	Gravity Assist - Moving toy train and balls activity	Tracking the spacecraft. Communications

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Using MESSENGER Data

Grades	Lessons
Pre-K - 2	TBD	TBD	TBD
3 - 4	TBD	TBD	TBD
5 - 8	TBD	TBD	TBD
9 - 12	TBD	TBD	TBD

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Staying Cool

Grades	Lessons
Pre-K - 2	Cooler in the Shadows		Design Challenge: What will keep my lunchbox cool?
3 - 4	Sensing Energy		Design Challenge: Keep It Cool! How do you keep things from getting to hot?
5 - 8	My Angle on Cooling. Effects of Distance and Inclination	Snow Goggles	Herschel Experiment	Design Challenge: How to keep gelatin from melting
9 - 12	Cooling with Sunshades	Star Power! Discovering the Power of Sunlight	Dangers of Radiation Exposure	Design Challenge: How to keep items cool in boiling water

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