5B STEM

Task Description: Building a Space Lander to visit the Moon

The aim of the P.5 STEM project was for students to design and build a ‘Space Lander’ to protect two ‘astronauts’ trying to reach the Moon. The students were presented with a scenario from NASA, explaining the need for the design of the Space Lander. The students were challenged with working cohesively in a group to: identify, and the best use of, different materials to absorb the shock of the landing to help the astronauts land safely; record the results of each trial; analyse results to modify and improve the design.

The STEM group was able to carry out the whole project very well. Before designing the model, the students delegated roles to each other meaning each student had an important responsibility each week. The teammates were able to communicate effectively to each other to decide on the best way to use the materials. It was evident to see the students were able to overcome the challenges they faced successfully. Knowledge of the model they were going to build, was a major concern for the students initially, but the students were able to overcome the challenge by researching past successful models which helped them to construct ideas of their own. Overall the STEM group worked cohesively to design and build a successful Space Lander.