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Space Junk Recovery Agency

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Grades 3-560-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids track a field of pretend orbital debris and engineer a capture tool, like a net, claw, or magnet arm, to safely retrieve it without knocking loose anything else. It's an exciting hook into precision engineering and careful, deliberate motion.

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Prep: 10 minActivity: 45 min1 session~$2/groupOne table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Place common or recycled supplies for Space Junk Recovery Agency on one work surface and choose a safe area for the test. Read the four activity directions aloud; drawings, paper models, and household substitutes may replace specialized materials, and no digital tool is required.

Activity

  1. Map out a field of hanging or scattered debris pieces and predict which capture tool design would retrieve them without disturbing the rest.
  2. Build a capture tool, such as a net on a stick or a magnet arm, sized to reach the debris field.
  3. Test the tool by attempting to retrieve pieces one at a time, then redesign it when it knocks loose extra debris or can't grab anything.
  4. Present the recovery mission results to the agency, reporting how many pieces were safely retrieved and what design changes helped.

Done when: The group produces the Space Junk Recovery Agency solution, completes the described test, makes the revision called for by the evidence, and supports its final explanation with an observed or measured result.

Materials

string, small foam balls or beads for debris, cardboard tube, small net or fabric scrap, tape, craft magnets (optional)

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Map out a field of hanging or scattered debris pieces and predict which capture tool design would retrieve them without disturbing the rest.
  2. Build a capture tool, such as a net on a stick or a magnet arm, sized to reach the debris field.
  3. Test the tool by attempting to retrieve pieces one at a time, then redesign it when it knocks loose extra debris or can't grab anything.
  4. Present the recovery mission results to the agency, reporting how many pieces were safely retrieved and what design changes helped.