Spacesuit

Designing a Lunar Spacesuit Using TinkerCAD/SketchUp

Objective: Students will learn about the challenges astronauts face on the moon and use TinkerCAD or SketchUp to design a spacesuit addressing these challenges.

Grade Level: Middle School

Materials:

• Computers with internet access

• TinkerCAD or SketchUp software installed (or access via web browser for TinkerCAD)

• Background information on the lunar environment and the current design of spacesuits

Duration: 90 minutes (Can be adjusted or spread across multiple sessions)

Background: The moon's environment presents several challenges for human exploration: extreme temperatures, micrometeoroid impacts, solar radiation, and the abrasive nature of lunar dust. A spacesuit for the moon must protect astronauts from all these factors.

Procedure:

• Introduction (15 minutes):

  • Discuss the environment on the moon and its challenges.

  • Highlight the importance of specially designed equipment for astronauts.

• Research Phase (15 minutes):

  • Students, in pairs or small groups, research the specific requirements for a lunar spacesuit.

  • Each group can focus on a particular challenge, such as temperature regulation, radiation protection, flexibility for movement, etc.

• Brainstorming and Sketching (15 minutes):

  • Based on their research, students brainstorm design features to counteract the challenges.

  • They sketch out a rough design on paper, labeling specific features and their functions.

• Introduction to TinkerCAD/SketchUp (10 minutes):

  • Give a brief demonstration of how to use TinkerCAD or SketchUp, focusing on tools that will be especially useful for this project.

• Digital Design Phase (25 minutes):

  • Using the software, students create their lunar spacesuit designs. They should aim to translate their sketches into a 3D digital model, incorporating the features they've identified.

• Presentation and Feedback (10 minutes):

  • Groups present their digital spacesuit designs, explaining the features they've incorporated and how these address the moon's challenges.

  • Peers provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Assessment:

• Assess student designs based on how well they address the challenges of the lunar environment.

• Evaluate the functionality and feasibility of the design features they've incorporated.

• Review students' abilities to work collaboratively, conduct research, and use digital design tools.

Extensions:

• Organize a "Spacesuit Design Challenge" where designs are judged by criteria such as innovation, practicality, and aesthetics.

• Explore the differences in spacesuit requirements for other celestial bodies, like Mars or asteroids.

• Dive deeper into the technologies that underpin real-world spacesuit systems, such as life support.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the challenges of the lunar environment.

• Learn the basics of digital design using TinkerCAD or SketchUp.

• Collaboratively conduct research and apply findings to a design challenge.

• Develop an appreciation for the complexities involved in designing equipment for space exploration.