Satellites

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Images of the earth are taken from space using satellites.

A satellite is anything in space that moves around a larger object. A satellite can be a machine like the one in the picture below or a moon. The earth's moon is a satellite.

Man-made satellites are designed to orbit the planet and send back information.

Scientists can use the information to understand the earth better. Meteorologists, or weather scientists, use the information to predict upcoming weather events.

• How do satellites, especially man-made ones, stay in orbit?

Explore satellites with interesting videos, online resources, and out-of-this-world activities and projects!

First, print the Graphic Organizer – Circle Map, found in the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar, to write down facts you learn about satellites.

A circle map is a tool used to organize thoughts about an idea. If you want to learn more about circle maps, watch the video found under Additional Resources.

Read What Is a Satellite? and watch the video below to gather notes for your Circle Map.

Next, read about the International Space Station. It is another satellite that orbits the earth. The space station is the biggest man-made object in space!

Many countries collaborated to make the International Space Station, collaborating on projects to learn more about space and send astronauts to live there.

This space station moves very quickly. It orbits the earth sixteen times per day!

• What would it be like to live in space?

Record your ideas on your Circle Map.

Continue to the Got It? section when you are ready.