Calculate the speed of the International Space Station. By reading the article, pupils learn about the concept of orbits. Scholars work through a formula to determine how fast the International Space Station is traveling to stay in orbit. They use the same formula to determine the altitude a satellite must be to be geosynchronous.

Concepts

satellites, orbiting, gravity, the international space station, the solar system, gravitation

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the link to determine when the next time the International Space Station is visible in your area
• Research about the Mars Sample Return mission

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes the class has some understanding of gravity

Pros

• Provides answers to the asked questions
• Includes diagrams to illustrate Newton's explanation of how an object can orbit the Earth

Cons

• None