Originally published on 3/4/2020
NASA is utilizing the next generation of engineers to design much needed items in a competition style program called NASA HUNCH (Highschools United with NASA to Create Hardware). This is the first year that Alvin ISD schools have participated in the NASA HUNCH Design & Prototyping challenge. Six groups of students from Manvel High School have been working hard to design prototypes in hopes of their finished product being sent to support upcoming space missions.
Competing against high schools across the nation, the students had to start from scratch and develop a product based on needs NASA currently has aboard the space station. Projects include, but not limited to, zero-g mouse food dispenser feeder, lunar sleep rack, and lunar wheels to name a few. “NASA gives us different challenges to complete. All of which test our skills we’ve learned through Project Lead the Way,” Victoria Reid, senior at Manvel High School shared.
Teams were formed and over the course of a year the students have worked together to research, design, and create their final prototypes to present to NASA. The groups are as follows:
Group 1: ”Team Sample Tongs” members Chase Carraway, Natalie Martinez, Jacob Koontz, Jamison Coleman, Jimena De La Torre
Group 2: ”The Sleeper Simulant” members Elijah Walker, Chad Johnson, Jacob Burch, Jakob Mendoza, Julian Garcia
Group 3: ”Team Lunar 360” members Victoria Reid, Cassandra Morales, Jose Maglaqui, Mycah Sesay
Group 4: The ”Rat Pack” with members Sandra Martinez, Morgan Smith, Jalen Clay, Trayvon Jenkins, Somkene Okonkwor
Group 5: ”Lunar Landers ” members Angel Flores, Nathan Francis, James Fritz, Kenneth Pappion
Group 6: ”To the Max” members Maxine Woods, Bryanna Criswell, Donovan Eaglin, DeAndre Clark-EL and Nathaniel Bezek.
While the students worked collaboratively to design their prototypes, Jacob Smith, Engineering Teacher at Manvel HS, stood alongside throughout the entire process. “My role is to inspire and encourage these students,” Mr. Smith said. “Their three years of courses leading up to this class have more than taught them about the tools necessary to complete the NASA challenges.” Prior to Manvel HS, Mr. Smith worked at the Department of Defense under contractors and engineers where he realized he had a true passion for growing the next generation of project managers. He hopes to continue to show students the engaging side of engineering and build our next greatest leaders.
“Mr. Smith introduced us to NASA HUNCH which is something that a lot of us had never heard of.” Maxine Woods, senior at Manvel HS said. “This entire program introduced us to specialized areas of engineering such as mechanical, computer, and civil engineering.”
In their most recent pitch to NASA Engineers, Astronauts, and Professors, they were given positive feedback ahead of the finalist decision. “The Mav Engineering students represented the district well and many students were given praises for their research and design,” Mr. Smith shared.
Even though HUNCH concludes towards the end of April, our students' plans extend beyond. From already determined universities and programs ranging from mechanical to electrical engineering, our students are destined for greatness. The Project Lead the Way program begins for most students with an Introductory to Engineering course freshman year. From there, the progression of courses introduces students to potential careers, teaches them career ready skills including teamwork and presentation etiquette, and helps them choose the path for their future.
To learn more about the NASA HUNCH program at Manvel High School, click HUNCH Critical Design Review.