The Solar Orbiter mission aims to produce images of the Sun and perform detailed measurements of the Sun's properties. During this activity you will introduce ideas about keeping materials and tools cool whilst in space and try to encourage the students to apply these ideas during a hands on activity.
Those involved in the mission hope that this will help us understand how the solar system works. The sun has a temperature of almost 6000 ºC and to perform its mission the orbiter will have to get very close to the sun’s surface. This means the orbiter needs a protective heatshield for the side which faces the sun. The instruments that look directly at the sun peer through this heatshield, which prevents the spacecraft from getting so hot that the materials melt and the electronics stop working.
This activity was inspired by and developed with one of our STEM ambassadors; find out more about her in the resource. It has been designed for one session of approximately 40 minutes to an hour. If the extras are followed more sessions will be needed. You will need to allow time to prepare the materials used in the session.
The numbers needed will depend on the size of the group. Allow students to work in teams of two to four.
Many of the ideas and skills demonstrated in this activity are essential for engineering, in particular Aerospace Engineering.
Aerospace engineers look at the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft. Generally you will need STEM A-levels (Advanced Highers in Scotland) including mathematics and preferably physics too. Alternatives include STEM related Advanced Diplomas or BTEC National Extended Diplomas, plus appropriate qualifications in mathematics and possibly physics. See www.ucas.com for more information.
Related subjects: Materials engineering
If students found the ideas presented in this session interesting then an apprenticeship in Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration may be of interest. This is a broad industry with many occupations available to apprentices at the intermediate and advanced level. Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more details. Apprenticeships can start at age 16 and students will need GCSEs including English and Maths.
In Scotland visit www.apprenticeshipsinscotland.com and in Wales wales.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Resources
Creating captivating cornflour invites pupils to discover the properties of this curious material in a fun, but often messy activity.
Engineering enables: running blades explores the forces in moving systems and materials, in the context of designing a prosthetic limb
The right switch: discover Quantum Tunnelling Composite and technical textiles. As we invest in more mobile technology, we run the risk of bulging pockets and heavy handbags. This activity looks at finding a solution to this problem.
Moving house: investigating earthquakes and building materials. Did you know that buildings move? What happens to buildings in an earthquake or strong wind?
How is food packaged? Introducing thermochromatic paints and their application.
Smart muscle
As we try to use more renewable sources of energy and reduce our use of fossil fuels, it is important to ensure that electricity gets to us in an easy but efficient way
Cycling grows in importance as we look towards sustainable transport to save energy.
Many products bought today are made from or contain plastic. How is it made, and what applications does it have?
Explore the role of STEM in how we hear sounds, record and play back music
Learn how sensor systems (motes) can be used to monitor the environment outside an aircraft.
This resource is designed to help students learn about the STEM involved in designing and making their own hovercraft.
Making waves explores how engineers have applied their knowledge of waves to make life better.
This equation impacts our lives in many areas, from computing to the shape of a football.
A STEM learning and teaching resource that shows how engineers have applied their knowledge to improve the security of the internet.
Explore a variety of magical maths activities, from multiplication tips to card tricks.
Are we connected? is a STEM teaching and learning resource that explores engineering through the technology we communicate and connect with.