Dragons' Den
Background
This activity can be conducted in teams or by individuals. Each team will create a pitch for a new space-related idea or technology. Teams will then try to convince an imaginary panel of experts to implement their idea. The teams can vote for the best idea after all ideas have been presented. In this activity, creativity is encouraged!
Mission description
Participants can be divided into teams of 1 to 5 people. They will then select, or be assigned to, a panel to present their pitch to (see appendix). Teams will brainstorm an idea according to the themes of one of the streams and present their idea to the class.
Timeline
| Breakdown | Duration |
|---|---|
| Assign teams and streams | 10 minutes |
| Team research, brainstorming, and development of ideas | 45 minutes (30 minutes brainstorming and research, then 15 minutes preparing presentation) |
| Team presentations | 30 minutes |
| Team vote | 5 minutes |
| Total | 90 minutes |
Goals
By the end of the activity, participants will have a broader understanding of existing space technologies, the impact space technology has on Earth, and innovative solutions for the future of space exploration.
Objectives
- Learn about existing space-related ideas and technologies
- Learn how space-based projects can affect people on Earth
- Brainstorm new applications for technology in space and space-based technology on Earth
- Think about the role of private industry in space, and how space is being commercialized
Mission preparation
Materials
- Paper and pencils, or computer
- Access to the Internet and/or the library for brainstorming and research purposes
Mission instructions
- Divide participants into teams of 1 to 5 people. Each team will be assigned a stream. Teams can each choose a different stream, or the same one for added competition.
- Brainstorm and conduct research to develop an idea. Teams prepare a pitch to present. The teams will share their presentations. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each idea and offer constructive feedback.
- The teams will vote on whose presentation was the best. Alternatively, there need not be any vote at all. Pitches can be evaluated individually.
Appendix – Stream descriptions
Stream one: Astronaut panel
You have travelled to Canadian Space Agency (CSA) headquarters to pitch your idea to a panel of astronauts. They're looking for new ideas to help them live, work, and study in space. Your idea may help them on Earth, during launch to space or return to Earth, in orbit, on the Moon, or on Mars. Make sure your idea is achievable and budget-friendly, and can help the astronauts in some way.
Things to consider
- Prioritize utility and practicality
- Smaller-scale applications
- You may wish to apply a known technology in an interesting new way
Stream two: Engineer panel
You would like to contribute some new technology to an international space mission or space project (e.g. the International Space Station, rover mission, asteroid sample-return mission, space telescope). You may be a team of professors and students at a university, or perhaps you are a small business. Convince a team of engineers and scientists at the CSA to hire you as a contractor to build your new technology.
Things to consider
- How an existing technology from Earth can be used in space
- What will future engineers and scientists need to help them explore space?
Stream three: Politician panel
You are in a meeting with some Canadian politicians discussing the next federal budget. Convince them to allocate some funding to your new space technology.
Things to consider
- How space-related ideas and technology can be used to help people on Earth
- How investing money into space projects can help people on Earth and in space
Stream four: Industry panel
The CEOs of several private space companies have gathered to hear your pitch. These billionaires have a lot of money to invest in your idea, but they'll only invest if they think you can make them even richer. How can you utilize and commercialize space to make money?
Things to consider
- Prioritize profit
- What resources does space have to offer us?
- What is the role of private industry within the international space market?
Stream five: Alien panel
You have been abducted by aliens and find yourself in a large chamber inside one of their spacecraft. In front of you is a panel of extremely wealthy extra-terrestrials. These intergalactic friends have abducted you in order to hear about your idea. Pitch your idea to the aliens, and they'll bring you back safely to Earth. If they like your idea, they'll implement it! They have unlimited resources, so be creative!