UFOs from Planet 3D

The goal of this ETP is to engage students in designing composite figures from cones, cylinders, pyramids and spheres and conic sections using 3D modeling software. Students will design space vehicles that may share some of the processes and shapes of satellites designed and built by Lockheed Martin. Following what I have observed at Lockheed Martin in the detailed testing procedures which the satellite components must pass, the student’s design report must be documented in a detailed template that requires meeting criteria and receiving approvals for each step. Their specs must include volume for their composite figure. Their design may include a conic section element such as an elliptical trajectory or a parabolic dish for communications. A possible extension is to create an animation by layering several frames, changing the scale of the figure to simulate movement, accompanied by details about the scaling factors in the frame specifications.