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Document Brief: Title: Tracker Computational Thinking Example: NASA Ingenuity's First Flight Dynamic Model

This document outlines a computational thinking approach using Tracker to analyze and model the first flight of NASA's Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Through video analysis and step-by-step modeling, learners can explore the physics behind vertical lift, acceleration, and Martian gravity.

Study Guide:

Objective:

• Use Tracker video analysis to model and analyze NASA Ingenuity's first flight.

• Apply computational thinking to understand motion under Martian gravity.

Key Concepts:

1. Video Calibration and Coordinate Setup:

   • Setting scale using rover references or landing site features.

   • Choosing appropriate origin and axis directions.

2. Marking and Modeling Motion:

   • Frame-by-frame tracking of Ingenuity's center of mass.

   • Identifying lift-off, hover, and landing phases.

3. Modeling Gravity and Lift:

   • Setting Martian gravity (~3.721 m/s^2).

   • Modeling upward thrust and balancing forces.

4. Data Analysis:

   • Velocity-time and displacement-time graph generation.

   • Identifying periods of constant velocity and acceleration.

5. Computational Thinking Elements:

   • Decomposition: Breaking the flight into distinct phases.

   • Abstraction: Ignoring minor vibrational motion.

   • Pattern Recognition: Identifying similar motion patterns.

   • Algorithm Design: Step-by-step tracking and modeling procedure.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Import Ingenuity flight video into Tracker.

2. Calibrate scale using a known length (e.g., Ingenuity's rotor span).

3. Set coordinate system with appropriate origin and axis.

4. Mark center of mass frame-by-frame during takeoff, hover, and landing.

5. Create a dynamic particle model with Martian gravity.

6. Apply thrust during takeoff and hover phases to simulate motion.

7. Compare model trajectory with real data.

8. Analyze graphs and refine the model.

FAQ:

1. Can I analyze a flight on Mars using a video on Earth?

   • Yes, by adjusting gravitational parameters to match Mars.

2. What does Tracker help me understand?

   • It enables visualization of motion, forces, and allows theoretical model comparison.

3. How do I determine when thrust is applied?

   • By observing velocity changes and comparing with expected hover patterns.

4. Can Tracker be used for other planetary models?

   • Absolutely! You can adjust gravity and environmental factors accordingly.

5. How does this activity foster computational thinking?

   • It encourages breaking problems into steps, identifying patterns, and developing a model to solve complex real-world problems.

Conclusion: This Tracker-based activity helps students experience real-world applications of physics and computational thinking by analyzing NASA's historic Ingenuity flight. It bridges theoretical modeling with actual mission data, making abstract concepts more tangible.

Version:

https://weelookang.blogspot.com/2021/11/tracker-nasa-ingenuity-flight-video.html

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