"Going in Circles"

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Abstract: Satellites are very useful instruments in space. Although scientists use satellites for a wide variety of studies in space, students need to understand that they have many other uses, too. This lesson will provide students with an idea of the number of satellites in space and how they orbit, as well as the usefulness of satellites and how a student will be able to observe them at night.

Outcomes: By the end of the full activity, the students should be able to:

- define: satellite, payload, and bus
- determine the amount of satellites and debris in Earth orbit
- explain why certain satellite orbits are more useful than others
- explain what satellites are useful
- access satellite data over the internet
- access information on when satellites pass overhead (off the internet)

Suggested Grade Level & Duration: 5-8

two 40-minute class periods for full activity (based on individual need)

Materials needed:

-Computer access to the web.
-A printed ACTIVITY SHEET
or WEB ANSWER SHEET (if you do the lesson online).