Design A Satellite

Design A Satellite Project
Earth Science
Stacy M. Skowronski

Lesson Title: Design A Satellite
Subject Area: Earth Science
Grade Level: Grade 9
Time Allocation: Three 70 minute class periods (Other available class time can be used to give students more time to work on the assignment)
Earth Science Content Standards ~ The Universe ~ Grade Nine
Understanding Technology
1. Describe means of comparing the benefits with the risks of technology and how science can inform public policy.
Abilities To Do Technological Design
2. Identify a problem or need, propose designs and choose among alternative solutions for the problem.
3. Explain why a design should be continually assessed and the ideas of the design should be tested, adapted and refined.
The Universe
1. Describe that stars produce energy from nuclear reactions and that processes in stars have led to the formation of all elements beyond hydrogen and helium.
2. Describe the current scientific evidence that supports the theory of the explosive expansion of the universe, the Big Bang, over 10 billion years ago.
3. Explain that gravitational forces govern the characteristics and movement patterns of the planets, comets and asteroids in the solar system.

Objectives
• Research and study different types of satellites.
• Understand how different types of orbits are used for different types of satellites.
• Analyze satellite images
• Learn the basic parts of a satellite
• Design a satellite that would be beneficial and useful.

Grouping
• The students will pair up to use the computers and to do research. They can choose to work with whoever they want to.
• They can also design their satellites together if they are able to spend time together outside of school
• Students will be grouped by table while analyzing the images

Prior Knowledge
• Students will have already spent time learning about a unit on space. We will have discussed space travel and various theories involving space. They will also view a power point that discusses different types of satellites and satellite orbits.
• The students will have a notes worksheet that they can fill out during the satellite power point in order to use as a reference.
• The students will fill in any knowledge gaps they have when they answer the “Satellite Research” guide.

Students With Special Needs
Students with special needs or on IEP’s that ask for shortened assignments will not be required to type the one page paper. They can just answer the three questions in a brief statement. They will also be given extra time if it is needed. They can also work in room 144 with the tutors if they need extra help on the internet.

Materials
Computers with internet access
“Satellite Research Guide”
“Satellite” Power Point
“Satellite” Power Point W.S.
Image cards taken from satellites
Satellite Design Rubric
Poster Board / Markers or supplies needed to create a diagram of a satellite

Activity
Day 1 Introduction:
1. Pass out the “Satellite Notes” worksheet to each student
2. Show the “Satellite” Power Point.
3. Have the students follow along and fill out their worksheet.
4. Discuss each slide and allow time for the students to answer the questions.
5. Have students look at and try to interpret images taken from satellites
Day 2 Research:
1. Pass out the “Satellite Research Guide” to each student
2. Have the students work with partners on computers to go to the links and answer the questions on the research guide.
3. Tell the students that they will be designing their own satellite. They will need to be creative and it will have to have a purpose.
4. They should get with a partner (if they are choosing to work with one) to start brainstorming ideas.
Day 3 Assignment:
1. Use the Satellite Design Rubric to explain the assignment to the students.
The students will be creating a satellite that will benefit the people of the United States. They will write a paper on it, create a poster, and answer questions regarding the satellite.(See Satellite Rubric)
The students can have the entire class period to get started on the assignment. They can work with partners to create their idea, conduct more research, begin answering the questions, writing their paper, or designing the poster.

Evaluation/Assessment
The students will be assessed using the Satellite Design Rubric. The one page paper explains that they were able to create a satellite that would be a beneficial use of technology. The poster will show that they are able to identify the different parts of a satellite. The questions they answer will address the different types of orbits and basic knowledge about satellites.

Rational
This assignment is conductive to both the content standards and to using technology. It follows the standards that describe that students should be able to create designs and understand advancements in technology. The Internet is used in the power point to show videos of satellites and satellite launches. The Internet is also used to allow students to conduct research. They are able to go to different websites and see how we are using satellites in our everyday lives. They will learn about new technology while using technology.




SATELLITE DESIGN PROJECT

You must create a proposal for the creation of a new satellite. Try to have it perform some function that would be beneficial to the United States or the people of the United States. The satellite can have any type of equipment, experimental or preexisting. Below is a list of the requirements.

You need to do each of the three parts of this assignment:

1. Type a one-page paper explaining its function, why it is important, who it is going to benefit, and why it is important to you. (20 points)
2. A diagram of you satellite. You need to make a poster that shows the different parts of a satellite. You need to include any special parts that your specific satellite needs in order to do its job. It must be labeled, colored, and you need to name your satellite.(20 points)
3. A list separate from your paper answering these questions: (3 pts each)
a. What type of orbit will your satellite have?
b. Who will make use of your satellite, commerce, government, or science?
c. Who will pay for your satellite?
d. What concerns are there about your satellite? (You must have a concern!)
e. Where do people collect the data for your satellite?
f. Who manages the day-to-day operations of your satellite?
g. What will happen to your satellite when it is no longer useful to its operators?
h. What type of special equipment does your satellite have?
(Each of these answers should be expressed in at least three complete sentences and be as detailed as possible)
Effort and Creativity: An additional 6 points will account for the effort you put into this assignment. TOTAL = 70 POINTS
Have fun and do a good job!!!

SATELLITE REASEARCH GUIDE
Go to the following website (it has already been addressed on your computer, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/designsatellite/
Help Suzie and Jimmy and the people of Littleton design and launch a satellite. Go through the different steps. Have your teacher sign below once you launch your satellite.
X______________________________________________________________

Goto the following website (once again, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/SCOOL/orbits.html
Read about the three different types of satellite orbits. Write down information about each type:
Geostationary Orbit:

Polar Orbit:

Inclined Orbit:

Go to the following website (once again, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/
Click on the different images taken by geostationary satellites. Answer the following questions.
What are these pictures of?
How can they help us?
Why is it important that these satellites have a geostationary orbit?


Go to the following website (once again, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/sfn_060619_zenit3sl_galaxy16.html
Usethe article to answer the following questions:
What will this satellite will be used for?

Where was it launched from?

What type of orbit will it have and how far above Earth will it travel?

Go to the following website (once again, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/
Use the article to answer the following questions:
What is a GPS Satellite?

In your own words describe how GPS works.

Go to the following website (once again, just pull down the address bar to find it)
http://hubblesite.org/
Explore this website. Look at the “Gallery” and view the Hubble images.
Describe the pictures you saw and explain what you learned from them.







SATELLITE RUBRIC

PAPER 20 points
points
2 Paper is typed
5 Clearly explains the satellites function
5 It states who the satellite benefits
5 It states why the satellite is important to you
3 Correct grammar and spelling

DIAGRAM 20 points
points
10 Diagram has the parts labeled correctly
3 The satellite is given a name
7 Diagram is neatly made with effort and creativity

LIST 24 points
3 points will be given to each question if it is:
1. answered in a logical manner
2. answered using at least three sentences
3. has correct grammar and spelling

EFFORT and CREATIVITY 6 points
6 points will be given if the assignment is handed in on time
and done with effort and creativity


TOTAL 70 points






Satellite Notes
1. What is a satellite?


2. What are the two main elements of a satellite? What are each of these elements?

3. What are the five main types of satellites?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
4. An orbit that stays over one spot of the earth at all times is called _____________________________________. The area of the earth that this satellite can see is called its______________________________.
5. What do Earth Remote Sensing Satellites study?

6. Global Positioning Satellites tell you your:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
7.The four types of orbits are:





8. A Low Earth Orbit stays approximately __________________________ miles away from Earth. It must travel very ____________________ so _______________________doesn’t pull it back to Earth.

9. Who keeps track of all the stuff that is orbiting earth? What is this stuff called?


10. Polar Orbits move in a _____________________________ direction. They are used to view the ___________________________________.

11. A GEO orbit is located directly above the _______________________________exactly _______________________________ miles into space.
12. What would a GEO satellite be used for?


13. The part of the orbit closest to the Earth is the _______________________________.
14. The part of the orbit farthest from the Earth is the _____________________________.

15. An elliptical orbit follows an ___________________________ shaped path in a ____________________________________ direction.

16. How do weather satellites work?