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In this engineering design challenge, students will use what they know and can investigate about gravity, motion, and forces to design and build a shock-absorbing system that will protect two "astronauts" when they land.

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Hints for uses in your library We suggest the following considerations
• Make sure the cups are medium to large and plastic (heavy)—you want the capsule part to be heavier than the cardboard platform, making the entire setup top-heavy.
• The cardboard platform shouldn’t be too big or heavy. Small paper plates work well.
• Rules: they can’t put anything over the top of the cup to hold in the marshmallows; this includes rubber bands. (No putting “seat belts” on the astronauts.)
• Both marshmallows need to remain in the cup when the lander is dropped from about 6 feet, five times in a row. Once your patrons have completed the challenge, try a "how high can you go" contest!
Related Links Spanish Language Activity Link
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Boeing Starliner Orbital Flight Test Landing
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Landing
Mars in a Minute: How Do You Land on Mars?
How Will NASA's InSight Spacecraft Land on Mars?
The Moon Landing
Originating Source NASA - JPL
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Reviews

 
Rating 
Participants Enjoyed the Activity 
Participants Learned from This Activity 
Activity Instructions Were Clear and Easy to Follow 
Would Recommend 
05/22/2019

Great low-tech STEM fun

I recently tried this activity with an after-school group that I work with. It was great for all of the ages that I had that day (2nd-6th grade). Older students did a great job of coaching younger ones when needed so if you have a large group of younger students you might want a couple of helpers on hand.

We had to substitute some items (cotton balls instead of marshmallows for the astronauts) but everything seemed to work well. We also did tests dropping from higher elevations for some extra observations. Some students also wanted to experiment with seat belts after the original test which was fun too.

Definitely a fun, inexpensive and creative activity! I will be repeating this at another program this summer.

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Touchdown

Touchdown

In this engineering design challenge, students will use what they know and can investigate about gravity, motion, and forces to design and build a shock-absorbing system that will protect two "astronauts" when they land.