Satellites Above

WebQuest for Grades 3-5Using MY NASA DATA

Teacher Resource Pages

Virginia Science SOL’s

3.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.

4.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.

5.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.

Virginia English SOL’s

3.10 The student will write stories, letters, simple explanations, and short reports across all content areas. (Identify the intended audience and revise writing for specific vocabulary and information.)

4.7 The student will write effective narratives, poems and explanations.

5.8 The student will write for a variety of purposes: to describe, to inform, to entertain, and to explain.

Implementation of Web Quest

The web quest is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about NASA’s satellites and the process by which data is collected. It can be implemented as a class project, for individual students as a differential learning activity or for groups of students in a cooperative learning environment.

It is possible for the web quest to be implemented in a manor that provides students in the upper elementary grades with an opportunity to work with students in the lower elementary grades.

Coordinating activities and resources are provided that would further extend the learning experience.

Coordinating Resources

Satellite Explanations: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/what-is-a-satellite-k4.html

How Satellites Work: http://octopus.gma.org/surfing/satellites/index.html

Catalog of Earth Satellite Orbitshttp://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OrbitsCatalog/

Build a Satellite Activity

Using what they have learned about satellites students work to design and build a satellite of their own following the steps of the Engineering Design Process.

Choice and source of materials are up to the discretion of the teacher. Lego satellite kits can be purchased but other materials can be used as well.

The activity can be completed individually or within groups of students working together. Each student or team should detail the purpose and function of their satellite within the realm of their design.

Engineering Design Process

IntroductionYou have been selected by the Random House National Publication

Company to assist NASA in the publication of a book about satellites. Your design and content should be developed for an

audience of students grades K through 2nd grade. Once complete your book will be evaluated and reviewed according to the

checklist located on the evaluation page. You may chose to accept this assignment on your own or you may work within a team to

complete the task.

Your TaskCreate a book that contains information about at least five of NASA’s satellites.

Provide details about how satellites help NASA collect information and make measurements.

Make sure to give examples of the types of measurements and information that NASA’s satellites collect.

Include graphics that provide visual illustrations of your content.

Include a glossary of important vocabulary words at the back of your book. Make sure all vocabulary words appear in bold letters within the content of your book.

Resources Elementary Students Landing Page :

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/elementary-students/

Satellite Explanations: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/what-is-a-satellite-k4.html

How Satellites Work: http://octopus.gma.org/surfing/satellites/index.html

Catalog of Earth Satellite Orbitshttp://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OrbitsCatalog/

Data Sources Link : https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/data-sources-2/

NASA Featured Images and Graphics : http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/index.html

Live Access Server (LAS) Link : http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/live-access-server/

Content Questions

① Name and describe at least 5 NASA Satellites.

② What types of information (data) are each of the different satellites collecting or measuring?

③ How do satellites collect information (data) and measurements?

④ What do satellites do with the information (data) once it has been collected and/or measured?

⑤ Identify and define the vocabulary words that you think your audience (Pre-K to 2nd grade) will need to be able to understand.

EvaluationItem Criteria Possible

PointsEarned Points

Satellites At least 5 described 20

How? Detail how satellites collect information and measurements for NASA.

20

What? Describes what types of information and measurements satellites collect.

20

Graphics Illustrations are given on each page.

20

Vocabulary

Vocabulary in bold within the content and has a glossary at end.

20

Total Points:

100

Taking it One Step Further

Click icon to add picture

So. . . . What happens to all of the information (data) that the satellites collect? Check out

the Live Access Server on MY NASA DATA (LAS).