Grade 5, Chapter 6 Investigation Organizer:
The Space Mission Weights
Summary: If the weight of a spacecraft is not correctly determined, it can be pulled off course. Your group will compute the weight of equipment and crew members on other planets. Then you will create flight teams for four planets.
1. Plan It
Create a table. Use the example on page 225 of your textbook or the Computation Table here on Education Place.
- Compute the weight of the equipment and crew members for other planets. Multiply the weight factor by the Earth's weight.
- Divide the work among your group.
![[Checkbox]](/math/mathcentral/graphics/chkbx.gif)
Our planning completed
2. Put It Together
A. Create flight crews. Create crews for Venus, Mars, Neptune, and Pluto. Each crew will have four members. Each member must be included on at least two flight teams. Use the weights listed on the chart.
- The total weight of each crew cannot be more than the research equipment weight for that planet.
- Record each attempt to create teams.
- Calculator: The space shuttle weighs 4,491,000 pounds at liftoff. How much would it weigh on Jupiter?
Our computations complete
3. Wrap It Up
A. Make a table. Your table should show the four flight teams. Include the total weight for equipment and crew members.
B. Write. Write a paragraph explaining your failed attempts.
Paragraph completed
4. Discuss Your Results
- How are your teams different from teams created by other groups?
- How are they the same?
- Is the weight of the equipment and space crews accurate?
- Does your paragraph clearly explain the failed attempts?
- Does your table clearly show the four crews and the weights for each flight?
- Did your group divide the work well?
Review completed
Return to Investigation Page.