Blast off! How do satellites, space shuttles, and space stations escape Earth's gravity and achieve orbit? Young astronauts study rocket science (literally) with an interactive lesson. They discover the four main uses for satellites, how space shuttles are designed, and how astronauts survive and conduct research aboard the International Space Station.

Concepts

satellites, the international space station, orbiting, gravity, space shuttles, space exploration, rockets, newton's laws of motion, velocity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the ample lesson extensions located toward the end of the Learn More section
• Consider watching the LEGO shuttle launch as a class, then discuss the video as an example of experimental design

Classroom Considerations

• Register for a free CK-12 account to use the resource

 

Pros

• The force simulator is easy to use and provides a simple example of escape velocity
• Interactive reinforces the vocabulary needed to adequately explain how satellites, space shuttles, and space stations are launched

Cons

• None