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 | Curriculum: Lesson 1 Lesson 2.1 >> Lesson 2.2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5.1 Lesson 5.2 Made your own model satellite |
Lesson 2.2 - Activity: Orbit an Artificial Satellite
Objectives:
- Construct an artificial satellite from random materials.
- Demonstrate the principle of an orbit.
Estimated Lesson Time:
One class (1 hour)
Classroom strategies:
Small group, hands-on activity.
Science background Information:
Refer to Lesson 2.1.
Vocabulary:
Review Lesson 2.1 vocabulary.
Materials and Equipment:
Assorted materials, such as buttons, balls, washers, paperclips, string, fishing line, yarn, etc. (Some thing to swing an object about in the air.)
Advance Preparation:
Gather appropriate materials.
Activity:
Divide up class into small groups. Divide materials between each group or allow individual groups to choose their own materials. Each group is to create a model of an artificial satellite in orbit.
Follow-up activity: Discuss the results of their experimentation by comparing the different satellites constructed. Re-enforce the concept of revolution, orbit, and artificial "pupil-made" satellite. Note how the differences in mass and the rate of spin affect the system.
References:
???
Connections:
Music: Space Cowboy (lassos-link)
Center for Space Physics
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