§130.417. Scientific Research and Design TEKS Overview

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Page 1 of 2

Standard # Standard # of

Activities

Aligne

d

(c)(2) The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations using safe,

environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices. The student is expected to:

130.417.c2A (2A) demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations; and 18

130.417.c2B

(2B) demonstrate an understanding of the use and conservation of resources and the

proper disposal or recycling of materials. 18

(c)(3) The student uses scientific methods and equipment during laboratory and field investigations. The student is

expected to:

130.417.c3A

(3A) know the definition of science and understand that it has limitations, as specified in

subsection (b)(4)* of this section; 29

130.417.c3B

(3B) know that scientific hypotheses are tentative and testable statements that must be

capable of being supported or not supported by observational evidence. Hypotheses of

durable explanatory power which have been tested over a wide variety of conditions are

incorporated into theories; 29

130.417.c3C

(3C) know that scientific theories are based on natural and physical phenomena and are

capable of being tested by multiple independent researchers. Unlike hypotheses, scientific

theories are well-­­established and highly-­­reliable explanations, but may be subject to

change as new areas of science and new technologies are developed; 10

130.417.c3D (3D) distinguish between scientific hypotheses and scientific theories; 10

130.417.c3E

(3E) design and implement investigative procedures, including making observations, asking

well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, identifying variables, selecting

appropriate equipment and technology, and evaluating numerical answers for

reasonableness; 14

130.417.c3F

(3F) collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data and make measurements with

accuracy and precision using tools such as calculators, spreadsheet software, data-­­

collecting probes, computers, standard laboratory glassware, microscopes, various

prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric rulers, electronic balances, gel electrophoresis

apparatuses, micropipettes, hand lenses, Celsius thermometers, hot plates, lab notebooks

or journals, timing devices, cameras, and meter sticks;

16

130.417.c3G (3G) analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from data; 13

130.417.c3H (3H) identify and quantify causes and effects of uncertainties in measured data; 13

130.417.c3I

(3I) organize and evaluate data and make inferences from data, including the use of tables,

charts, and graphs; and 11

130.417.c3J

(3J) communicate valid conclusions supported by the data through various methods such as

lab reports, labeled drawings, graphic organizers, journals, summaries, oral reports, and

technology-­­based reports. 15

(c)(4) The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions within and

outside the classroom. The student is expected to:

130.417.c4A

(4A) in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using

empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including

examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage

critical thinking; 33

130.417.c4B

(4B) communicate and apply scientific information extracted from various sources such as

current events, news reports, published journal articles, and marketing materials; 20

130.417.c4C

(4C) draw inferences based on data related to promotional materials for products and

services; 32

130.417.c4D

(4D) explain the impacts of the scientific contributions of a variety of historical and

contemporary scientists on scientific thought and society; 45

130.417.c4F (4F) research and describe the connections between science and future careers; and 22
§130.417. Scientific Research and Design TEKS Overview

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Page 2 of 2

Standard # Standard # of

Activities

Aligne

d

130.417.c4G

(4G) express and interpret relationships symbolically in accordance with accepted theories

to make predictions and solve problems mathematically, including problems requiring

proportional reasoning and graphical vector addition. 19

(c)(5) The student formulates hypotheses to guide experimentation and data collection. The student is expected to:

130.417.c5A

(5A) perform background research with respect to an investigative problem; and 13

130.417.c5B

(5B) examine hypotheses generated to guide a research process by evaluating the merits

and feasibility of the hypotheses.

10

(c)(6) The student analyzes published research. The student is expected to:

130.417.c6A

(6A) identify the scientific methodology used by a researcher; 33

130.417.c6B

(6B) examine a prescribed research design and identify dependent and independent

variables; 56

130.417.c6C

(6C) evaluate a prescribed research design to determine the purpose for each of the

procedures performed; and 63

130.417.c6D

(6D) compare the relationship of the hypothesis to the conclusion. 43

(c)(7) The student develops and implements investigative designs. The student is expected to:

130.417.c7A

(7A) interact and collaborate with scientific researchers and/or other members of the

scientific community to complete a research project; 3

130.417.c7B (7B) identify and manipulate relevant variables within research situations; 10

130.417.c7C (7C) use a control in an experimental process; and 4

130.417.c7D (7D) design procedures to test hypotheses. 7

(c)(8) The student collects, organizes, and evaluates qualitative and quantitative data obtained through experimentation.

The student is expected to:

130.417.c8B (8B) record observations and events as they occur within an investigation; 8

130.417.c8C (8C) acquire, manipulate, and analyze data using equipment and technology; 37

130.417.c8F (8F) construct data tables to organize information collected in an experiment; and 5

130.417.c8G

(8G) evaluate data using statistical methods to recognize patterns, trends, and

proportional relationships. 36

(c)(9) The student knows how to synthesize valid conclusions from qualitative and quantitative data. The student is

expected to:

130.417.c9A (9A) synthesize conclusions supported by research data; 39

130.417.c9B (9B) consider and communicate alternative explanations for observations and results; and 13

130.417.c9C

(9C) identify limitations within the research process and provide recommendations for

additional research. 12

(c)(10) The student communicates conclusions clearly and concisely to an audience of professionals. The student is

expected to:

130.417.c10A

(10A) construct charts, tables, and graphs in facilitating data analysis and in communicating 

experimental results clearly and effectively using technology; and 5

130.417.c10B

(10B) suggest alternative explanations from observations or trends evident within the

data or from prompts provided by a review panel. 12
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 1 of 16

Module One -­­ Getting There

Science Focus Questions Science Activity Objectives TEKS:

How has venturing off our planet given us more

understanding of our planet?

Satellite missions enable scientists to learn about Earth's

natural processes, and the disruptionstherein.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,D)

How will the future of aeronautics address noise,

emissions and fuel consumption? Is NASA going green?

The goal of green aviation is to have aircraft with minimal

impact on the environment.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How can understanding the capillary flow of coffee

cups improve future rocket engines?

Capillary flow experiments led to understanding fluid

dynamics in a micro-­­gravity environment.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,D)

How did NASA MAVEN project manager, Sandra

Cauffman “Get To” Mars?

Sandra Cauffman's background in math, physics and

electrical engineering led to a NASA career in aerospace

robotics and mechanicalsystems, and earned her the

title of MAVEN projectmanager.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is the habitability of Earth linked to comets? Consensus among the scientific community is that

comets delivered organic elementsthrough impacts with

early Earth.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Science Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Science Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Option 1 -- Select a satellite for collecting data to answer a

research question about Earth's changing climate.

Option 2 - Select a space telescope for collecting data to

answer a research question about the Universe.

Students will investigate a research question that

could be answered using NASA satellite data or

space telescope data. The research will include: 

Research question about either Earth's climate or

the universe; Satellite orspace telescope selection

capable of providing data needed to answer your

research question; Described data collected; 

Data or images from the satellite orspace telescope

with usage explanation; Other data sources

determined that could be used to help interpret

collected data or images; Who will benefit from the

findings?

Students willwrite a 250-­­500 word essaywith no

significant grammatical errors, correctly citing

references using APA style.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)

(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 2 of 16

Module One -­­ Getting There

Technology Focus Questions Technology Activity Objectives TEKS:

How is NASA technology advancing the future on Earth

and in space?

The pace of new technology development slowed down

after the Apollo years due to the focus on safety with

fewer risks taken, and the focus on successful missions.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(H)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

How is NASA's game­changing development program

transforming how NASA develops new technology?

NASA seeks to identify and rapidly mature innovative/high

impact capabilities and technologies for infusion in a

broad array of future missions. TRL's measure the maturity

of evolving technologies. The range of TRLs is 1 (lowest)

through 9 (fully developed).

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,F,G)

What are some of the technologies that NASA is

developing to help make aircraft more efficient, safer,

and quieter?

NASA's Environmentally Responsive Aircraft (ERA) team

is using computer drawings, wind tunnels and scaled

models. NASA is to focusing on aircraft drag, aircraft

weight, fuel consumption, fuel emissions, and aircraft

noise.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D)

What are some of the technologies used in the daily

operation of the International Space Station?

Focused on green engineering, the space station uses

multiple technologies in the daily operation including

solar arrays to collectsunlight and convert it to energy;

environmental control and life support system for air and

watersupplies; and thermal control system for heating

and insulation.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

What are some of the technologies that NASA is using

to improve entry, descent, and landing on Mars?

The Deployable Energy Absorber has an advantage over

traditional air bags because it can better handle crush with

sheer. Arc-­­jettestingevaluatesthethermalprotection

systems(heat shields) forspacecraft entry, descent, and

landing.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(5)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(A,B,C)

How is NASA "Getting to" our solar system and

beyond?

Ion propulsion engines power deep space missions. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

Technology Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Technology Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Compare and contrast two biomimicry technologies, Gecko

Gripper

(https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/videos/crazy-engineering-gecko-gripper) 

and Spider Bot(https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/videos/spider-bot),

then post comments to discussion board to justify best

biomimicry technology.

Students will compare and contrast 2 biomimicry

technologies then justify a sole selection by: 

Creating an original discussion board post that

listed choice and justification forselection;

Writingtwowellthought­outresponsestoother

scholars’ discussion board posts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 3 of 16

Module One -­­ Getting There

Engineering Focus Questions Engineering Activity Objectives TEKS:

What are some of the engineering capabilities

and jobs at NASA's Johnson Space Center?

Johnson Engineering Capabilities and jobsinclude:

Avionics, Communication and Software Radiation

Resistant Hardware Structure and Materials

Development IntegratedPower 

ThermalManagement 

Mechanical Separation 

Integrated Spacecraft Propulsion

Spacecraft Cockpit Rapid Prototyping Design

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(B,D,F)

What are some of the solutions that engineers

developed to work around? What should have

been mission ending failure for Landsat 5?

Creative Engineering 1: Landsat 5's primary solar array drive failed and 

the back­up drive failed. Solar array couldn’tmove,so engineers pitched

the satellite to face the Sun. This movement gave the satellite just

enough extra Sun exposure to keep the batteries charged and execute

its imaging duties. 

Creative Engineering 2: After pathways forsending data to the ground

had failed, an instrument on Landsat 5 was powered back on after

seventeen years, and amazingly, it worked.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(9)(C)

What are some of NASA's contributions to

major milestones in aviation history?

Historic events in aerospace history include: Explorer 1 successfully

orbited Earth; Gemini Missions; Apollo Missions; International Space

Station was assembled and has had crews living there since 2000.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(B,D,F)

It takes a village...to train an astronaut! Who

are some of the people who help get

astronauts to space?

Astronaut candidates(ASCANs) undergo two years of intensive

astronaut candidate training which includes team building, survival skills,

and technical space systems training. Technical training includes robotics

instruction, how to perform spacewalks, operational training in T­38

Talon supersonic jet, language training, expeditionary crew skills, and

specialized hardware and science instruction.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(9)(A)

Why is entry, descent, and landing on Mars

called "Seven Minutes of Terror?"

Entry into Mars atmosphere to Martian surface takes seven minutes.

The EDL process had zero margin of error, and was completely

autonomous because by the time Curiosity had reached the surface,

seven minutes had already passed since it takes 14 min for a signal to

reach Earth from Mars.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How did NASA engineers exchange two crucial

subsystems on the Webb

Micro Shutter Array is an instrument that will control whether 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

telescope? light from an astronomical object in the telescopes field of view 130.417 (c)(4)(D)Scientific Research and Design

enters the NIRSpec. The NIRSpec on the James Webb telescope (c)( 130.417 5)(A,B)Scientific Research and Design

will be able to measure the spectrum of up to one hundred 130.417 (c)(6)(B,C)Scientific Research and Design

objects simultaneously and will be capable of observing large (c)(8)(C,G)

samples of galaxies and stars at unprecedented depths across

large swaths of the universe and far back in time.

Engineering Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Engineering Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Learn how to create 3D drawings using the tools of 3D design

software.

Draw and label power, communication,

guidance,scientific

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

Create a 3D mock satellite. instrumentssystems of a satellite. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Write a paragraph to explain the relevance of (c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

3D drawing/printing

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

in the aerospace industry. Include both space

and Earth

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,D)

applications. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(A,B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 4 of 16

Mathematics Focus Questions Mathematics Activity Objectives TEKS:

How are reference systems used to describe the

location of objects in the sky?

Reference systems for locating objects in the sky include

declination and right ascension, azimuth and elevation,

and the International Celestial Reference Frame.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(G)

How does orbital mechanics impact Earth satellite

mission planning?

There are three types of Earth orbits: high Earth orbit, medium

Earth orbit, and low Earth orbit. 

Many weather and some communications satellites tend to

have a high Earth orbit, farthest away from the surface. 

Satellites that orbit in a medium (mid) Earth orbit include

navigation and specialty satellites, designed to monitor a

particularregion. 

Mostscientific satellites, including NASA’s Earth Observing

System fleet, have a low Earth orbit. 

Height, eccentricity and inclination shape a satellite’s orbit.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How do computer modeling and visualization

speed up ground operations and aid flight safety?

Taxiway Navigation and Situation Awareness System (T­NASA)

speeds up ground operations and aids flight safety.

T-NASAblendsGPS abilitieswith virtualreality technology to

create displays that help pilots move around the airport

quickly and safely.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

When are the International Space Station and

other satellites visible from your location?

Depending on your location, you may see the International

Space

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(G)

Station several times a week to only a time or two a month. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B)

The space station makes a complete orbit of Earth every 90

minutes.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

What parameters impact the timing for a mission

to Mars?

Based on a 2.5 year human exploration mission, the maximum 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A)

stay time on Mars is 1.49 years. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,C)

How will emerging technologiesimprove future

spacecraft navigation?

Advantages of emerging technologies, as demonstrated by the

SEXTANT investigation, include use of celestial clocks called

pulsars for reliable and high-­­precision timing; autonomous

navigation which does not rely on the Global Positioning

System; accessibility for nearly every possible mission course.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B)

Mathematics Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Mathematics Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Review Spherical Coordinate Systems and use Google Earth to find the Spherical Coordinates are curvilinear

coordinates describing

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

location of the coordinates: positions on a sphere. Spherical

Coordinates can be located in

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Find the position of the AFRC site with respect to the Earth’s center in Google Earth. (c)( 130.417 3)(A,B,C,D,F,H) Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,G)

terms of i, j, and k; Transform spherical coordinatesto Cartesian

coordinates;

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Write the Earth-­­centered vector, fec , in the form: fec = xi + yj + zk Represent 3D vectors in terms of i, j, and k;

Find the position of the space shuttle with respect to the AFRC in terms

of

Perform vector addition operations.

i, j, and k;

Find the Earth-­­centered position vector ofthe space shuttle;

Find the length ofthe space shuttle’s Earth-­­centered position vector;

Find the space shuttle’s distance above Earth’ssurface.

Module One -­­ Getting There
Page 5 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module T wo -- - Discovering There

Science Focus

Questions

Science Activity

Objectives

TEK

S: How is NASA gathering data "on the fly?" Scientists want to introduce bacteria into Earth’s

stratosphere to predict what will happen when

microorganisms get to Mars.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How do supersonic shockwaves lead to quieter

aircraft?

Researchers utilize Schlieren imaging relevant to

aeronauticsto determine flow patterns for future aircraft

that will allow quieter overland flight.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

How will biological systems research lead to better

astronaut health?

Biological research for better astronaut health gives

scientists insight into the basic cellular and molecular

mechanisms of the human body. 

Biological research of plants gives scientists insight on how

plants can lead to air purification technology. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,G)

How will dust storms on Marsreally impact

astronauts?

The development of global dust storms is a sequential

process:

radiative heat of sunlight reaches the surface of the

planet; heat warms the air closest to the surface, leaving

the upper air cooler; warm and cool air together becomes

unstable; warm air rises up and takes dust with it.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Why did OSIRIS­REx go to Bennu? NASA's asteroid-sample-return mission is OSIRIS-Rex.

Factorsthat influence the Yarkovsky effect are

composition, energy transport through the surface,

temperature, and topography.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Science Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Science Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Compute the volume of the asteroid, assuming it was nearly

spherical.

Compute the density of the asteroid. What does the

density tell you about the physical composition of the

asteroid? Determine its primary composition. 

How much kinetic energy was released by the event?

Give answer in Joules and kilotons. 

At what altitude did atmospheric entry occur? What layer

of the atmosphere isthis?

On Feb. 15, 2013, a small asteroid entered Earth’s

atmosphere over Russia. 

Asteroids have volume and density.

Density of an asteroid revealsits physical

composition.

Asteroids have kinetic energy.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,C,D,F,G,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)
Page 6 of 16

2022Texas High School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module T wo --- Discovering There

Technology Focus

Questions

Technology Activity

Objectives

TEK

S: How does space technology benefit us on Earth? NASA's space technology leads to innovations on Earth. 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,F)

How do remote sensing technologies help NASA

monitor Earth systems?

High altitude and longer duration flights are a benefit to

using Global Hawk technology forstudying hurricanes.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How is NASA's research in new aviation technologies

transforming the future of flight?

NASA's aviation technology research includesrapid

prototyping reduced costs for design and testing phase;

transitions from hover towing-borne flight; and using

electric engineswith reduced noise.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How does the International Space Station provide a

unique opportunity for researchers to demonstrate new

space technologies?

To demonstrate new space technologies researchers are

using the space station by evaluating personal journals

to understand psychological impacts; growing fresh

produce to improve nutrition; analyzing blood, urine,

and saliva to study the immune system.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

What real NASA technologies have inspired the "The

Martian?"

Technologies already in use on Mars or in space include

Ion Propulsion, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

(RTG), and Oxygen Generation System.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B)

What challenges did engineers overcome with Hubble

Space Telescope technology?

The Hubble Space Telescope challenges have included a

primary mirror with the slightly wrong shape causing

images to be out of focus; the fragility of glass mirrors,

cameras and spectrographs.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

Technology Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Technology Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Review the 2019 NASA Spinoff brochure and select a technology.

Produce a video demonstrating knowledge of the

technology. Provide justification for why thistechnology

should earn 2019 NASA Spinoff Technology of the Year.

NASA technology createsspinoff technology.

Provide an argument for why the selected

spinoff technology should earn [2019]

NASA Spinoff Technology of the Year.

Storytelling ofspinoff relayed through

video presentation.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
Page 7 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module T wo --­ Discovering There

Engineering Focus

Questions

EngineeringActivity

Objectives

TEK

When are robots a better design than rovers? Robots are designed to go where wheels cannot. Future robots S:

using developing limb technology will ultimately have

autonomous capabilitiesforreal­worldapplications onEarth,

underwaterand in space.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How is a 1969 airplane serving the world's

scientific community?

NASA’s DC-8 Airborne Science Lab supports the Earth science 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

community including academia, government and

international

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

investigatorsfor missionssuch assensor development,

satellite

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

sensor verification, and geophysical research using in­situ 130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

instruments and remote sensing instruments.

How have spacesuits been engineered to meet

the needs of EVAs?

The spacesuit, or Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU),

replicates earthlike conditions for astronauts to be able to

leave the controlled environment of their vehicle.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How has Curiosity's discoveries changed our

perception of Mars?

Missions will be driven by rigorous scientific questions that

continually evolve from discoveries by prior missions.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

What is so exceptionally sweet about Chandra? In the Electromagnetic Spectrum the Chandra layer of Google

Sky/Google Earth is X-Rays.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C)

Engineering Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Engineering Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Design and draw a tool for space. This tool may be designed for

any specific tasks related to living and working in transit (on a

spaceship), or on the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid.

Design a handheld tool to be used in space.

Submit the graphic as either hand drawn, or

using 3D software. A one page overview will

provide an overview of the design.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(A,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(A)
Page 8 of 16

Mathematics Focus

Questions

MathematicsActivity

Objectives

TEK

S:

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module T wo --­ Discovering There

How does NASA identify, observe, and measure objects

without direct contact?

An active remote sensor example is Lidar which

provides distance measurements by using a laser and

receiver to transmit and detect a light pulse reflecting

off a target.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How does NASA calculate the number ofsatellites

needed to collect data for a region?

To calculate the number of [CYGNSS]storm chaser

satellites the following criteria is considered: altitude

of orbit and orbital inclination; location of 10 years’

worth of tropical cyclones; average repeat time over

specific region.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,C)

How is NASA using mathematics to improve safety of

unmanned aircraft?

Research involving Detect and Avoid Alerting for

Unmanned Systems, or DAIDALUS,seeks to

demonstrate that the mathematical algorithm is

capable of providing maneuver guidance to pilots for

deciding a safe path; utilizing well defined vertical and

horizontal clearancesto avoid collisions; calculating

solutionsto allow both unmanned and traditional

manned aircraft to fly in the same airspace.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,H)

How do remote sensing tools on International Space 

Station improve our understanding of Earth ystems?

Remote sensing classifiesimagesinto categories

including critical measurements that will tell us more

about the global impact of pollution, smoke and dust on

Earth’s climate.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How can Mars Trek tools help you explore surface

features of the Red Planet?

Spectral data can provide useful information about

variety and abundance of vegetation, types of minerals

or rock structure, and images ofsurface features and

land cover, all by using the wavelength and the intensity

of light.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How can mathematics help you become an asteroid

hunter?

To calculate Tisserand’s Parameter for mathematically

describing the orbit of a small body, use the constants

of:

semi-major axis of the small body; semi-major axis of

Jupiter; orbital inclination of the small body.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C,D)

Mathematics Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Mathematics Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Select a potential landing site for a human mission to Mars.

Take the Mars Trek Tour to learn about the tools, layers, and

other features available in the interactive Mars map. 

Explore Mars to select and describe the proposed “exploration

zone.” Use the line tools to measure distances and find elevations

in your region. Create a discussion board post to share the chosen

site.

Present a discussion board post to include the

location, description and name of a proposed

Mars exploration zone. Determine diameter of

exploration zone (measured in km). Calculate the

area of any craters in your exploration zone

(measured in km2). Describe surface features

within your exploration zone including elevations

(highest/lowest). Describe any named region(s)

within your exploration zone. Constructively

critique otherscholars' posts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
Page 9 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module Three --- Living There

Science Focus Questions Science Activity Objectives TEKS:

Are you adding to the hydrofluorocarbon impact of

the ozone layer?

Basedon the resultsof aNASA­derivedatmospheric

chemistry climate model, HFCs cause increased warming of

the stratosphere, speed up the chemical reactions that

destroy ozone molecules, andacceleratetheupward

movementofozone­poorair.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

Why don't pilots know what's in the clouds? Current aircraft are equipped with radar capable of

detecting larger precipitation in clouds such as rain and hail;

however, smaller ice crystals also in clouds are undetected

by radar.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How does the brain adapt in space? Sensory, motor, and cognitive assessmentsinvestigate

neuroplastic and maladaptive brain changesin

crewmembers following long-­­duration spaceflight. 

The neurocognitive and neuralstructural tests are

determining the correlation between behavior and mental

ability as mapped in the brain.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

What happened to Mars's atmosphere? Loss of atmosphere to space given a combination of

greater loss rates and increased solar storms in the past

can cause changes to a planet’s environment from one

that could host microbes at the surface to one that does

not.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How are life signatures of atmospheric chemistry

like students with pizza?

Methane and oxygen molecules together are a reliable sign

of biological activity because methane doesn't last long in an

atmosphere containing oxygen­bearing molecules. If both

methane and oxygen are together in an atmosphere, the

oxygen will react to consume the methane. (Correlation: If

pizza and students are together in a room, the pizza must

have recently arrived and won't last long.)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

Science Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Science Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Based on NASA's astronaut search, what do you think is most

important in this selection of astronauts that would inspire

you today? Why do you feel your choice is justified? How is

this next group of American Artemis space explorers

inspirational to you? Create a discussion board post on the

required information above, plus write responses to at least

two other scholars’ posts.

NASA's astronautsearch solicits candidates with

multiple qualities and characteristics. Determine

both pertinent and imperative astronaut criteria

from provided resources. Present a discussion

board post to include astronaut criteria and

resources. Constructively critique otherscholars'

posts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 10 of 16

Module Three ---Living There

Technology Focus Questions Technology Activity Objectives TEKS:

How can you help NASA SOLVE today's

challenges?

Students can contribute their time and expertise to solving problems 

through crowdsourcing challenges through online platforms, citizen 

science projects, and education competitions. 

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,C,G)

How can images from space help protect

some of Earth's most beautiful places?

Demonstrate the beauty of our planet using unique satellite images

that show more than what is visible to the naked eye. Highlight how

remotely­sensed data provides scientists and policymakers with the

tools needed to identify and protect Earth’s natural ecosystems. 

Providecitizens ofEarth a global perspectivefromEarth-observing

satellites analogous to the mental and spiritualshift experienced by

astronauts called “The Overview Effect.”

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C)

How is NASA technology saving lives in air,

sea, and land rescues?

NASA’srole in theinternationalsatellite­based searchand rescue

systemknownasCOSPAS­SARSATincludesimprovingthelocation

accuracy of emergency beacon technology; developing and testing

theproof­of­concept groundstationforthemedium­altitude satellite

system; and providing better guidance for installing Emergency

Locator Transmitters on aircraft.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is International Space Station

instrumental in learning how to live off Earth

and improving life on Earth?

Key aspects of the Environmental Control and Life Support System on

the space station include reusing human urine and sweat to provide

drinkable water; reducing cost by decreasing the need for resupply

missions; and demonstrating more efficient and reliable systems for

recycling air and water.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How is NASA using robotic technology on

Mars to search for evidence of

life and prepare for human exploration?

The suite of tools the Curiosity rover uses to study Mars’ habitability

include SAM: Sample Analysis at Mars to search for organics,

ChemCam: Chemistry and Camera to vaporize rock surfacesfor

chemical analysis, and RAD: Radiation Assessment Detector to

monitor radiation on the Martian surface.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Could life exist on one of Jupiter’s icy moons? The objective of NASA’s mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa in the

2020sis a flyby at various altitudesto producehigh-­­resolution

images, investigate composition and structure of itsinterior and icy

shell, and detect and analyze active water plumes.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

Technology Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Technology Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Using the NASA Facts Sheet and NASA @ Home and City:

Determine examples of products that came from or were

enhanced by Apollo technology that impact your life

personally, and describe the personal,societal or community

impact/influence of each product; Identify home productsthat

have been created by NASA technology; Trace the diffusion of

a NASA technologies into home, city and globally, and explain

its affects and benefits; List and explain NASA influenced

technologies that are used in your school; Explain how

diffusion has led to globalization, and describe its applications

in space and on Earth.

NASA technology has been adapted to meet

the needs of the private sector, benefiting

global competition and the economy; Diffusion

is the spread of an idea or innovation from one

place to another, and may occur on a local,

regional or global scale.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 11 of 16

Module Three --- Living There

Engineering Focus Questions Engineering Activity Objectives TEKS:

How do you measure the space environment at the

boundaries of Earth’s magnetic bubble?

Magnetic field surrounding Earth connects and

disconnects from the magnetic field carried by the

solar wind, which reconfigures the shape of Earth's

magnetic environment, so MMS is gathering data to

study this magnetic reconnection.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Why would you purposefully put volcanic ash into an

airplane engine core?

Upon simulating an airplane flying through volcanic

ash, NASA scientists learned that the corrosive ash

erodes the blades and accumulates in the engine as

glass.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How are communication issues on the International Space 

Station being solved for deep space?

As communication delays decrease, both

performance and morale of the space station crew

increases.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

HowhasOrion'sthermal protection systemchanged since

EF­1?

The difference in the thermal protection from Orion’s

initial Exploration Flight Test­1 (EF­1) flight and the

upcoming Exploration Mission­1 flight (EM­1) isit will

have a metallic­based thermal control coating bonded

to the crew module’s thermal protection system back

shell tile, and the heat shield will be made blocks.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is Kepler finding new worlds? Transit photometry measures changesin a star's

brightness caused by a mini­eclipse.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Engineering Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Engineering Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Use the engineering design process to address the question,

imagine a solution, plan a design, create the model,

experiment/test the model, improve the original design; repeat

three times; 

Make notes, and take a picture for each trial run; 

Write a conclusion analyzing the engineering design process as it

directed the evolving model.

The engineering design process is a series of

steps that engineers use to solve problems; 

Allsteps of the engineering design process are

crucial to mission success at NASA

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,C,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(A,B)
2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Page 12 of 16

Module Three --- Living There

Mathematics Focus Questions Mathematics Activity Objectives TEKS:

How many planets like Earth are out there? Determining if there is life on other planets within the billions of

galaxies is framed by our definition of what is essential to

support life as we know it.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

What do statisticssay about global climate

change?

Evidence of climate change indicates carbon dioxide, global

temperature and sea level have all been on the rise.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How can an algorithm monitoring pilots' brain

activity save lives?

Scientists researching functional near­infrared spectroscopy

(fNIRS) have explored potential applications in analyzing brain

function for dangerous levels ofstress, fatigue, and distraction;

real­time brain monitoring in motion­filled environments; and

measuring neuronal activity by using light to detect blood flow

in the brain.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

How is radiation exposure measured for people

on Earth and in space?

Scientists are examining the use ofshielding, nutrition, and

medicines for protecting astronauts from the damaging effects of

radiation. People living at higher elevations (mile high or greater)

experience 2­4 times more radiation than people living at sea level.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

Why is mathematics pivotal in the BioSuitTM

design?

BioSuitTM design enhances astronaut mobility by using

mathematical mapping of the lines of non­extension to build a

soft exoskeleton; mechanical counter­pressure to replace the gasfilled bladder with a “second skin;” and a gas­pressured helmet to

maximize field of vision.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,E,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is mathematics used to find new worlds? Transit method ofsearching for shadows is used by Kepler to

find potential habitable planets.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Mathematics Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Mathematics Assignment Objectives TEKS:

What distances (in AU) would represent the inner and outer

boundary of the “habitable zone” for the sun? 

If you could genetically engineer a new extremophile by merging the

traits of two different kinds of extremophiles, which two traits would

you select if your extremophile were to live on Jupiter’s moon

Europa? 

For each of the terms in the Drake Equation, provide a value and

justification: N* ; fp ; ne ; fl ; fi ; fc ; fL ; 

Solve the Drake Equation, and determine if your solution is more

optimistic or conservative when it comes to thinking about

extraterrestrial life with radio technology in the Milky Way galaxy;

Explain if/how your solution would change if you were to consider

additional galaxies. 

Could any of the terms in the Drake Equation be equal to zero? 

Select one ofthe argumentsfromthe Fermi­Hart paradox and describe

which term(s) it would affect in the Drake Equation.

The Drake Equation is from astronomer Dr. Frank

Drake, who suggested an organized framework for

thinking about life in the galaxy; 

Physicist Enrico Fermi questioned: If a multitude of

advanced extraterrestrial civilizations existsin the

Milky Way, why isthere no evidence for them such

as radio signals, spacecraft, colonies or probes? 

In 1975, Michael Hart wrote an article in which he

detailed the many factors that could lead to such a

cosmic silence, and this is sometimes called the 

Fermi­Hart Paradox;

Bacteriaandbacteria­likeorganismslivinginplaces

once considered extreme and uninhabitable are

called extremophiles.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(5)(A)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(8)(C,F,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(9)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(10)(A,B)
Page 13 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module Module Four Four -­­ Working --- Working There There

Science Focus Questions Science Activity Objectives TEKS:

How is the bottom of the food chain related to clouds? Plankton populations give rise to small organic particles

which leave the ocean as aerosol particles creating the

nuclei on which cloud dropletsform.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(3)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D)

Why is bug chemistry studied by NASA Scientists? Laminar aircraft wings are designed to be

aerodynamically efficient; however, when a bug hits the

wing it causes airflow to turn turbulent creating

additional drag, and increasing fuel consumption.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Why is space the most beneficial site for a National

Laboratory?

Private commercial industry can use a National

Laboratory, the International Space Station, in space to

investigate in microgravity without the physiological

constraints of Earth.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

1130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,C)

What happens to a mission when a delicate instrument

leaks?

NASA managers suspend the launch due to an errant

instrument in the science payload. The role of the

impaired instrument, the Seismic Experiment for Interior

Structure (SEIS), is to measure ground movements as

small as the diameter of an atom.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How is the "Star Wars" universe similar to the Milky

Way?

In "Star Wars," the fantasy planet “Alderaan” is blown to

bits, which is similar to the real exoplanet extreme

destruction of a white dwarf star caught in the act of

devouring the last bits of a small planet in 2015.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

Science Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Science Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Define the 5 different Martian terrains:spider, baby spider,

swiss cheese terrain, channel network, and craters. 

Describe Martian “fans” and “blotches.” Screenshot

examples of 5 or more fans and/or blotches using the fan tool 

and blotch tool from your own classification efforts. 

Explain the difference between CTX and HiRISE. 

How will NASA Scientists benefit from this project? 

Explain how citizen science projects work.

Identify and measure features on the surface of Mars. 

Fans and blotches are mainly formed by the thawing of

carbon dioxide present in the polar ice cap during the

Southern spring and early summer on Mars. 

Scientists believe that fans and blotches indicate 

wind direction and speed and form in the same spot 

each year and hope to learn how they change. By

tracking how fans and blotches form, evolve, 

disappear, and reform over several Martian years,

scientists hope to better understand Mars’ climate.

Images of Mars come from NASA’s Mars

Reconnaissance Orbiter(MRO) using the High

Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE)

camera, the highest resolution camera eversent to a

planet. Citizenscience isinterested public,ornonexperts, analyzing data of a given research project. It

has been shown that the combined assessment of

many non-experts can often equal andoutperform

those of experts and machine learning algorithms.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
Page 14 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module Module Four Four -­­ Working There --- Working There

Technology Focus Questions Technology Activity Objectives TEKS:

What are the benefits of growing flowers and

vegetables in space?

The advancements in technology or knowledge gained by

growing fruits and vegetables in space include leafsensors

that can text message farmers when plants are “thirsty;”

data on the feasibility of fruiting plants like tomatoes to be

grown and eaten in space; and smart LEDs that sense the

presence of plant tissue to vary light output to specific

plant species atspecific growth stages.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

How is NASA working to improve drone technology

for commercial applications on Earth and future

missions to Mars?

NASA aeronautics engineers are developing technologiesto

improve drones for reasonsincluding the development of

technology so commercial drones may be used to carry

cargo and even peopleoneday;improving small dronesfor

real­world uses, such as wildfire spotting, algae monitoring,

search­and­rescue, weather monitoring, and scouting for

Mars rovers; and advancing geo­fencing systemswith a

builtsafety approach to improve the airspace system in

which drones fly.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How has 15 years of living and working on the

International Space Station improved life on Earth?

Over the past 15 years more than 220 people from 17

countries have visited the space station and have

contributed to the development of Eye Tracking Device

equipment for corrective lasersurgeries; pharmaceuticals

totreatpeoplewithosteoporosis;andImage­Guided

Autonomous Robot for precise movements during biopsies.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

How have advancesin technology improved robotic

mobility?

The Mars Curiosity Rover inherited from the Mars

Exploration Rovers: autonomous navigation software; mast

mounted camera to image the surrounding area for

potential hazards; and Rocker­bogie suspension system.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is NASA’s work with additive manufacturing or 3­

D printing improving rockettechnology?

Benefits of using additive manufacturing or 3­D printing for

rocket engine parts include: a more affordable propulsion

system for SLS; incorporate features that are not possible

with traditional manufacturing; and build complex

components faster and with fewer parts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Technology Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Technology Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Learnthe language ofprogramming using block-based codingand

demonstrate your understanding by successfully completing The

Hour of Code: Artist, ten increasingly more challenging geometric

puzzles. In the final puzzle, you design your own code and create

your own geometric design. Then you will create a discussion

board post to share the URL for your design.

Learn the language of programming using blockbased coding.

Design code to create a geometric

design. 

Present a discussion board post to

include required criteria. Constructively

critique otherscholars' posts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,E,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(B,C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
Page 15 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module Module Four Four -­­ Working --- Working There There

Engineering Focus Questions Engineering Activity Objectives TEKS:

Why isGOES­Rthefutureofforecasting? Geostationary Operational Environmental Series

satellite-R (GOES-R) will collect three times more data

and provide four times better resolution and more

than five times faster coverage than current

satellites.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How is virtual reality fused with real time for pilots? Fused reality combines real­world images from a video

camera with virtual images generated by a computer

in a head mounted display. 

Fused reality provides a more realistic experience

because the aircraft is real and only some external

elements are virtual.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,F)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C,D)

How will NASA power­up in space? Graphene­basedsuper capacitors couldofferthe fast

charging of a capacitor, while having the slow power

discharge of power like a battery.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

How is a rocket for missions to Mars making life better on

Earth?

Due to its complexity the RS­25 was designed to be

highly efficient. To optimize a rocket engine increase

thrust, increase weight to thrust ratio, and increase

overall propellant efficiency.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

How will hydrogen be excavated from the Moon? Utilizing resources found naturally in extraterrestrial

soil will foster more affordable and sustainable

human exploration. The lunar mission, Resource

Prospector, will extractsamples of the lunar regolith.

A neutron spectrometer will provide data to

determine the type and quantity of elements and

compounds.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Engineering Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Engineering Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Investigate the augmented reality (AR) of JPL’s Spacecraft AR

app.

Download the app. Choose a robotic spacecraft that you want to

investigate, then research the mission of that craft. You will write

a discussion post in “tweet” format using no more than 140

characters (about two sentences) to outline your app journey.

Investigate robotic spacecraft with JPL’s

Spacecraft AR app including NASA’s Curiosity 

Mars rover; Juno, Cassini, and Voyager 

spacecraft; and the giant, 70-meter NASA 

Deep Space Network dish. 

Research the mission of the chosen spacecraft. 

Present a discussion board post to include

required criteria. Constructively critique other

scholars' posts.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(8)(C,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(B)
Page 16 of 16

2022 TexasHigh School Aerospace ScholarsOnline Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Alignment 130.417 Scientific Research and Design

Module Module Four Four -­­ Working --- Working There There

Mathematics Focus Questions Mathematics Activity Objectives TEKS:

How is NASA studying lightning using Earth Science

data on Earth and from space?

NASA’s lightning detection systems on orbit and groundbased instruments provide Earth science data for

researchersto investigate how turbulence in storms can

improve our expectation of where lightning willstart,

where it will go, and how energetic it will be; the rate and

amount of radiant energy for a greater range of the

nearly 4 million lightning strikes across the globe every

day; processesthat trigger lightning within

thunderstorms and what kind of lightning produces

terrestrial gamma­ray flashes.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(A,C,D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

How does wing geometry effect the amount of lift

produced on an aircraft?

Straight wing shapes would improve stability at low

speeds for a small, lightweight aircraft.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(D,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

What is the role of an Electrical Power Systems analyst

for the International Space Station?

The role of the Electrical Power Systems team for the

space station includes using mathematical models to

predict the amount of power the space station will have

for research, experiments, life support, etc.;designand

developmentofnewLithium­ion batteries to replace the

nickel­hydrogen battery Orbital Replacement Units;

Integration of componentsthat provide power

generation, power distribution, and energy storage for

the space station.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(4)(A,B,C,D,F,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

How have students contributed to the design concept

of a Mars plane?

Students tested a variety of foundational design

concepts for a possible Mars aircraft including boomerangshaped, a delta­wing with a twist, and flat winglets.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(4)(G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(A,B,C,D)

What is the benefit to using hexagonal mirror

segments on the James Webb Space Telescope?

Benefits to using hexagonal mirror segments on the

James Webb Space Telescope include segments come

close to forming a circle; bigger mirror, better vision;

folds inside the rocket for launch.

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(6)(B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A)

Mathematics Assignment Problem(s) or Overarching Question(s) Mathematics Assignment Objectives TEKS:

Using the airplane design templates (on 8.5” x 11” paper), use a

ruler to measure each wing length and chord line in centimeters.

Use the measurementsto answer each question. 

Given two wing shapes, rectangle and right triangle or a

combination thereof, solve equations forsurface area, length of

the mean chord, and the wing's aspect ratio. 

Label with the appropriate units. Show all work.

All aircraft wing designs including rectangular,

elliptical,swept and delta, have limitations or

restrictions making them suitable only for

certain tasks. 

An aircraft wing's number of lifting surfaces,

shape, size and materials used all contribute to

an aircraft’s performance

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(2)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(3)(A,B,E,F,G,H,I,J)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(5)(A,B)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(7)(B,C,D)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design

(c)(8)(B,C,F,G)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(9)(A,B,C)

130.417 Scientific Research and Design (c)(10)(A,B)