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Why does the sunshield need multiple layers that don’t touch?

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Why does the sunshield need multiple layers that don’t touch?

Is Lesson Plan

Sensemaking Checklist

What is Sensemaking?

Sensemaking is actively trying to figure out how the world works (science) or how to design solutions to problems (engineering). Students do science and engineering through the science and engineering practices. Engaging in these practices necessitates that students be part of a learning community to be able to share ideas, evaluate competing ideas, give and receive critique, and reach consensus. Whether this community of learners is made up of classmates or family members, students and adults build and refine science and engineering knowledge together.

Lesson Snapshot

High school students, as scientists, investigate definitions of energy, conservation of energy and energy transfer, and electromagnetic radiation to answer the following driving question: Why does the sunshield need multiple layers that don’t touch? Students begin by taking stock of what parts of the anchoring phenomena they have explained, and which they still need to figure out. Next, students discuss how they could plan an investigation to answer their questions about conduction, radiation, and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) sunshield layers. Students plan the investigation and develop an initial model of the investigation system. Next, they conduct the investigation and use a simulation to investigate conduction at the particle scale. Finally, students revise their investigation system models based on data from the investigation and simulation.

This lesson is Lesson 2 of the  Energy Transfer in the JWST System Playlist


This playlist was created in collaboration with Northrop Grumman and supported by the Northrop Grumman Foundation.


Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Materials

Student Materials

Per Group of Four

  • infrared thermometer
  • scissors and ruler
  • tapes
  • aluminum foil
  • inside of chip bags
  • cardstock/poster
  • metal block (not aluminum)
  • timer
  • heat lamps
  • safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles
  • Internet-connected device

Per Student

Teacher Materials

Optional Teacher Resources

Asset 2