Teachers Note:

Description: Design of a machine to simplify the life of an astronaut on board the ISS.

Objective(s):

• Discover who Leonardo da Vinci was

   

• Make a design dependent on given specifications (e.g. get food at any time from anywhere) and parameters (weightlessness, large Space Station, etc.)

   

• Debate in a group to reach an agreement (develop qualities for dialogue: listening, being empathetic, reasoning, expressing opinions, etc.)

Hints:

• You may want to give more information on Leonardo da Vinci: Da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452, and died 2 May 1519. He was also celebrated as a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, a scientist and inventor, one of the greatest minds of all times.

   

• If the children are not used to make sketches or diagrams, this is a good opportunity to explain how to make one, including title, captions, legends, etc.

   

• In their presentation to the rest of the class, the children should explain how the machine works, why it is going to be practical for the astronauts, etc.

   

• This activity was inspired by the following websites:
  - http://www.leonet.it/comuni/vincimus/invinmus.html
  - http://www.mos.org/Leonardo/
  - http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/
  - http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/
  InventorsWorkshop.html

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