Down to the Core Challenge
Analyzing samples from a planet, moon, or asteroid helps scientists learn about its chemistry, geologic history, and potential to support past or present life. Nearly every NASA surface mission collects samples. In this video from "Design Squad Nation," students design and build coring devices that can poke into a potato "asteroid" and extract a core sample. The students use the engineering design process, apply a variety of science concepts, and learn about NASA's exploration of the solar system. Part of the "Design Squad Nation" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 3 minutes 46 seconds
- Topic: Science
- Subtopic: Astronomy, Physics, Space Sciences
- Grade/Interest Level: 3 - 8
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2013
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Learning Media
- Series: Design Squad Nation
- Report a Problem
Available Resources
Related Media

Tracy Drain: Flight Systems Engineer

Victoria Garcia: Aerospace Engineer

Erick Ordoñez: Materials Engineer

Sandeep Yayathi: Robotics Engineer

Allison Bolinger: Spacewalk Flight Controller and Trainer

Invisible Force Challenge

Inspector Detector Challenge

Robo Arm Challenge

Soft Landing Challenge

Down to the Core Challenge