1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,000 Welcome to Prescott Central Middle School in Littleville, Tennessee. 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:10,000 NASA Connect asked us to show you the student activity for this program. 3 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:16,000 Under the guidance of our teachers, Marlon Weaver, Alicia Ray, and Ronnie Maness, 4 00:00:16,000 --> 00:00:23,000 we will go through the steps you will use to build the paper scale model of the X-33 Advanced Technology Demonstrator. 5 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:27,000 In this activity, we will also measure linear dimensions of the model, 6 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:33,000 compare these dimensions to the actual dimensions of the X-33, and compute a scale factor. 7 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:40,000 To help you understand about proportionality in X-planes, go to the NASA Connect website. 8 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:44,000 Mr. Weaver reviewed what the lines and labels on the folding pattern mean, 9 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:49,000 identified the faux lines, cut lines, tabs, and alignment dots. 10 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:53,000 He also talked to us about the parts of the X-33 vehicle. 11 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:57,000 Before we begin, here are the materials you will need for the activity. 12 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:06,000 Cardstock or heavy paper, pencils, scissors, rulers, glue, and calculators. 13 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:12,000 After you've gotten your materials together, we will begin the activity by constructing the X-33 model. 14 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:20,000 Cutting, folding, and assembling the model will take at least one full class period, or about 45 minutes. 15 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:25,000 Begin cutting out the model X-33 pattern found on sheet 1. 16 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:29,000 It is important that the cutting and folding of your X-33 is accurate, 17 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:34,000 so that the parts will fit together and fold into an aerodynamic model. 18 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:40,000 Crease along all the dashed lines, making sure that faux lines and other markings are on the inside. 19 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:45,000 For neater results, place a ruler along the faux line and hold it down tightly. 20 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:50,000 Then slide your finger under the paper and lift it up against the ruler. 21 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:56,000 Cut the four slots for canted and vertical fins, being careful not to cut the faux lines. 22 00:01:56,000 --> 00:02:01,000 Glue the back side of tab A at the edge which says glue A here. 23 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:04,000 Repeat for tabs B and C. 24 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:11,000 Fold up the nose and tuck the flaps into the front of the X-33 and push it in until it stays. 25 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:16,000 Now you're ready to cut out the canted fins found on pattern sheet 2. 26 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:20,000 Fold each fin in half along the middle and fold back the tabs. 27 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:26,000 Put the glue on the top side of the tabs instead of the bottom before inserting them in the slots. 28 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:30,000 You can close the back of your model now, but don't glue it yet. 29 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:35,000 Cut out the body flaps and attach them under the back of the X-33. 30 00:02:35,000 --> 00:02:39,000 Last, cut out the engine, glue it, and attach it to the back of the model. 31 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:42,000 Glue your model closed and now you're ready for measurements. 32 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:47,000 Find the measurements of the full size X-33 drawings in a classroom copies 33 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:52,000 and record them in column B of your Find the Scale Factor worksheet. 34 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:58,000 Each student should fill out the data sheet by determining the corresponding exterior dimensions 35 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:03,000 of the scale model of their X-33 and recording them in column C. 36 00:03:03,000 --> 00:03:08,000 Write the ratio of the measurements in column D, making sure that the units are the same. 37 00:03:08,000 --> 00:03:12,000 Using the results, you can now calculate the scale factor, 38 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:17,000 which is the measurement of the full size object divided by the measurement of the model. 39 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:20,000 When all the data is calculated and entered in column E, 40 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:27,000 you are ready to find the average scale factor by adding the scale factors in column E and dividing by 3. 41 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:29,000 Record your result in the blank. 42 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:32,000 Now that we understand the concept of proportionality, 43 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:36,000 we're going to test whether the model is a true scale model. 44 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:41,000 Phew! 45 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:43,000 Great job, guys! 46 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:47,000 Hey, let's analyze the data by reviewing the results of the activity 47 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:50,000 and responding to the following questions. 48 00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:56,000 What can you learn from building a model that would be difficult to learn otherwise? 49 00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:00,000 How can a model be misleading? 50 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:04,000 Pretend the scale factor is 140. 51 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:08,000 Now let's apply this scale factor to a simple problem. 52 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:13,000 Decorate the side of your paper model with the word NASA, like this. 53 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:19,000 Using the scale factor of 140, how tall would the letters be on the X-33? 54 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:21,000 Are they bigger than you?