Remote Sensing Beta Test – Engineering Context-Setting Activity: How Do Engineers and Scientists Work Together on NASA Missions?

5 min. Introduction
25 min. Video and Card Game
5 min. Reflect

35 min. Total

Prep Time: 30 min 

• Be sure to watch the context setting video.
• Invite a family or community member for this Activity. 
• Copy question cards for each group of 4. 

P2 Educator Guide

P2 Engineering Notebook

This snapshot intended for quick reminders and is not a replacement of the guide. Be sure to use the guide for detailed preparation instructions and implementation scripts.

NASA: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Remote: far away or distant 

Remote sensing: collecting information at a distance 

Sensing: collecting or becoming aware of information 

Remote Sensing Engineering Vocab List

Collaboration, Critical Thinking

Youth learn about the ways that scientists and engineers rely on each other during NASA missions by watching a video and use question cards to discuss the ways in which engineering design and develop technology that can help answer scientific questions. The youth NASA challenge is to design remote sensing devices for a mission to Mars. 

How do scientists and engineers work together on a NASA mission to learn about another planet without going there?

• Draw connections between questions asked by scientists and those asked by engineers. 

• On NASA missions, engineers design technologies to help planetary scientists gather data to answer their questions. 
• Remote sensing technologies gather data from a distance. 
• Youth have a NASA engineering challenge to solve.

Can you tell me a story about a technology or tool that made a big difference in your life?

• Family Connections
• Youth Resources