Weather satellites are classified by their orbit type: polar or equatorial. What is the difference between these orbit types? Are the satellites in each type of orbit the same? Does each “see” the Earth in the same way as the other? In this lesson, students are guided to think about, and discuss in small groups, Earth-looking satellites and their orbits as they tackle problems posed by the teacher. They will end the lesson by working in small groups to create their own model describing and comparing two types of satellites orbits before individually reporting their findings in writing. This lesson can serve as a stand-alone lesson, modified for use in a more complex unit of study, used in focus-setting, formative or summative assessment, or closure.
| Relevant Disciplines: | Physical Science Earth & Space Science |
| Grade Level: | 5-8 |
| Adaptable to Other Grades: | Yes |
| Time Required (class periods): | 1 |
| Prerequisites: | None |
| Additional Resources Available: | No |
Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this lesson:
5-PS2-1
MS-PS2-4
MS-ESS1-2
MS-ESS1-3