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Build a Satellite ActivityBuild a Satellite Activity
Publisher
NASA
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
5th - 8th
Subjects
Science
4 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
2 hrs
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
2 more...
Technology
Projection
Internet Access
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Activity

Build a Satellite

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Build a Satellite activity also includes:
  • Images of Satellites with Components Labeled (Cassini Diagram)
  • Images of Satellites with Components Labeled (Mars Odyssey)
  • Student Worksheet
  • NASA's Eyes on the Solar System
  • Activity
  • Join to access all included materials

Shake, rattle, and explore space with satellites. Engineers learn how satellites work before designing, building, and testing their own models. Groups engage in quality assurance reviews with colleagues to improve their designs, and the activity concludes with a whole-group discussion.

4 Views 4 Downloads

Concepts

satellites, engineering practices, space exploration, engineering design

Instructional Ideas

  • Demonstrate a shake test using a partially constructed model at the beginning of the activity
  • Have investigative teams present final products and explain rationale behind design choices

Classroom Considerations

  • Requires a variety of assorted materials to construct model satellites, so plan ahead
  • Prepare copies of the worksheet in advance

Pros

  • Contains a rubric to clarify assessment criteria
  • Provides creative extension ideas to continue the learning

Cons

  • None

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