Learn about the orbit of the International Space Station directly from an astronaut on the International Space Station! Young scholars hear about the shape and path of orbits from a NASA astronaut in the video lesson from a larger STEMonstrations playlist. Follow the lesson with a mathematical exploration of the distance and time of the orbits based on the diameter of the bodies they orbit.

Concepts

orbiting, the earth's orbit, circumference

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create an interdisciplinary lesson by integrating math and science concepts
• Give groups different planets to calculate orbits as an additional challenge

Classroom Considerations

• Expects pupils to make calculations using a simple formula

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Includes an answer key for the lesson activity
• Offers an extension activity for those needing a challenge

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 RST.9-10.7