Summary:

This classic film tells the true story of the Apollo 13 space mission. On this mission, the crew faced a life-or-death crisis. They had to rely on their engineering skills to make it home safely. It’s an exciting way to teach teamwork and problem-solving.

How to Use it:

Use the rocket launch and reentry scenes to model physics concepts. Have students build or code their own rockets and create journals to document the kinds of small adjustments and iterations needed to create a successful launch. Tip: Pairs well with a game like Kerbal Space Program.

After watching, have your students work on an engineering challenge where they design a solution to a real-world problem, just like the astronauts did. For example, they could create a parachute to safely land a payload. They really can do any challenge you dream up! 

Learning Topics:

• Mathematics

• Science and technology

• Space

Discussion Questions:

1. How has technology changed since the 1960s? 

2. Where should NASA focus its efforts in space exploration today? 

3. What does the film say about the role of engineers and their ability to use common items to fix highly technical problems?