A satellite is any object in space that orbits a planet or star. Earth is a satellite of the sun and the moon is a satellite of Earth. But satellites are more commonly thought of as the man-made objects that have been launched into space since the late 1950s. These mechanical satellites have computers on board that take pictures, send signals and impact our daily lives in significant ways.
Sixth graders are part of a generation that has grown up with unlimited television signals, email and GPS. All of these modern conveniences are made possible through the thousands of satellites orbiting Earth. From communications satellites to the Global Positioning System to the Hubble Telescope, life would be different without these space objects. That is the central theme to this satellite science project. Sixth grade students will work in groups to research satellites and report their observations.
Divide the class into groups of four students and assign each group member a job. Each group will have two researchers, one note-taker and one reporter. Working together, students will research online and through library resources the various roles satellites play in our daily lives. Encourage students to consider a wide array of satellite systems, such as Doppler radar, NASA satellites, foreign and private satellites. Students should develop specific questions to address though their research.
After student have complied their research, they should decide how they would like to report their findings. Students can use PowerPoint presentations, create visual displays or give an oral report. Even though one group member will be sharing the group's observations, all members of the group should participate in preparing the final report. Encourage students to use visual aids such as diagrams of how satellite relay signals or bring in electronics that rely on satellite signals. Students should gain a new appreciation for the importance of satellites.