What is a man-made satellite? How big is it? How does it get into orbit around the Earth? How does it stay in orbit without falling to the ground? What does a satellite do? How is it made? Learners in grades 3 and 5 investigate these questions and deliberate the best design for a model satellite of their own creation.
This lesson plan represents a significant update and upgrade to the August 2011 version. Both are based on an original lesson idea written by Betty Conway and published in the Satellite Educators Association’s Lessons from the Sky in 1995. This student-centered lesson is built on specific Next Generation Science Standards and promotes teamwork and respect for others while challenging learners to support their conclusions with evidence.
| Relevant Disciplines: | Physical Science Engineering Design |
| Grade Level: | 3, 5 |
| Adaptable to Other Grades: | Yes |
| Time Required (class periods): | 1-2 |
| Prerequisites: | None |
| Additional Resources Available: | No |
Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this lesson:
3-PS2-2
5-PS2-1
3-5-ETS1-1
| Lesson Resources for What is a Man-Made Satellite? | |
| File Type/Link | Description |
| Document-pdf | How_To_Make_A_Weather_Satellite - From NASA and NOAA, a booklet adapted from an original work by Ed Koenig |