Spotlite Design Challenge: Orbiting Observers
Developed in Collaboration with the Challenger Center.
Follow these steps to think and act like scientists as you dig through data and experiment to support a claim that confronts a misconception.
- Select one of the MISCONCEPTIONS and its related CLAIM to investigate.
- Do your own RESEARCH by conducting investigations to gather data and collect evidence to support your claim.
- Review the Criteria for the Spotlite video.
- Create the Spotlite video.
Identify the problem: As Satellite Operations Engineers, your challenge is to gather and share evidence to confront a misconception about satellites orbiting Earth. You will create a video that captures your questions and findings.
MISCONCEPTION: Satellites hover over parts of Earth because there is no gravity that high up.
CLAIM: Satellites are in constant motion, but sometimes appear stationary relative to a specific location.
Demonstration and Experimentation Ideas
Research
Activity
CLAIM: Gravity diminishes as you move away from an object, but the force can be felt from great distances.
Demonstration and Experimentation Ideas
Research
Activity
NASA cares about the safety of all learners!
Safety is important anytime you conduct a science investigation. Common sense guidelines should govern all work.
- Keep all workspaces neat and organized.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as closed-toed shoes.
- Follow directions and ask for clarification.