LESSON 2 - What are satellites?

Students will:

• Differentiate between natural satellites and artificial satellites.
• Create a model of an artificial satellite.

Materials Needed:

Construct a Satellite worksheet

Construct a Satellite - answer key

Pictures of satellites

Materials for satellite construction (see "Tips for Teachers")

Engagement

Ask students "what are satellites?" Have them list what they think the characteristics of satellites are (they orbit in space, used to get information, etc..) Using this list, have them create a definition of satellites. A simple definition of a satellite is a free-flying object that orbits the Earth, another planet, or the sun. Ask them to name some types of satellites. Students may not know the specific names of the satellites or may say space, weather, television, or communications satellites. Lead them to distinguish between natural satellites and artificial satellites. The moon and the planets are natural satellites. Each orbits another object. Artificial satellites are man-made, such as weather satellites. The sun is not a satellite.

Exploration

Continue the lesson by introducing students to the parts of a satellite. Give each student the satellite worksheet. In this activity, students will make a model of an artificial satellite. (This activity may be done as an extended project or a group project.) Review the components of the satellite and their conditions. Have students work together on the conversions before constructing their satellite.

When students complete the project, have them present their model to the class. Review the role of each component. Discuss their importance. Help students understand how each part depends on other parts. See answers.

Show students pictures of actual satellites. Relate their constructed models to the pictures. Ask students to identify the components of the satellites .

Evaluation

Have students write a paragraph describing their model and its components. Assess their model for correct measurements.

Tips for Teachers

• Suggestions for satellite model materials - styrofoam food trays from grocery stores, toothpicks, cardboard, egg cartons, and aluminum foil.
• Provide books on satellites as a reference for students to use during this project.
  See Remote Sensing Resources list.
• For more satellite pictures see Index of NASA Satellites on SpaceLink http://spacelink.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/Curriculum.Support/Space.Science/Satellites/

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