Eyes in the Sky

In this unit, students will use technology to learn about orbiting spacecraft designed to study astronomical objects. Students learn to name and locate different types of electromagnetic radiation, use a satellite dish to downlink an ongoing Space Transportation System (STS) Mission, and learn to build and launch a rocket made out of paper and tape. While completing this module, students will use the modem to download information about NASA missions. They will identify solid/liquid fueled rockets using NASA educational software for Macintosh computers and build and launch a rocket to land within five feet of a pre-defined target. Throughout the course of this module, students will keep a portfolio to record their progress. Educational levels: High school, Middle school