Our latest interactive adventure for middle schoolers has officially launched into the classroom space! Save a Satellite is an exciting new STEM Case that immerses students in the role of spacecraft navigation engineers. As they prepare to launch a communication satellite into orbit, students apply Newton’s third law of motion to ensure a successful mission. But the challenge doesn’t stop there.
When a looming threat of space debris emerges, students must act fast. Using their understanding of gravitational forces and Newton’s laws, they’ll calculate and execute a new orbital path to save the satellite. This real-world scenario, designed with the help of a real rocket scientist, not only reinforces key physics concepts but also builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a high-stakes, space-based mission.
This STEM Case covers a range of topics, including:
- Velocity, gravity, and thrust
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Earth orbits
What’s New in This STEM Case?
Save a Satellite introduces several exciting features to enhance student engagement and learning:
- Glossary terms now include read-aloud audio, supporting accessibility and comprehension for all learners.
- An interactive orbit widget lets students visualize their satellite’s real-time orbit, deepening their understanding of orbital mechanics.
Included as part of Gizmos, the interactive online STEM Cases let students form and test ideas to find solutions like real scientists do on the job. To extend the learning, explore related Gizmos that reinforce and build on the concepts introduced in the Save a Satellite STEM Case.
Fan Cart Physics
Gain an understanding of Newton's laws by experimenting with a cart (on which up to three fans are placed) on a linear track. The cart has a mass, as does each fan. The fans exert a constant force when switched on, and the direction of the fans can be altered as the cart's position, velocity, and acceleration are measured.
Gravity Pitch
Imagine a gigantic pitcher standing on Earth, ready to hurl a huge baseball. What will happen as the ball is thrown harder and harder? Find out with the Gravity Pitch Gizmo. Observe the path of the ball when it is thrown at different velocities. Throw the ball on different planets to see how each planet's gravity affects the ball.
Gravitational Force
Drag two objects around and observe the gravitational force between them as their positions change. The mass of each object can be adjusted, and the gravitational force is displayed both as vectors and numerically.
Solar System Explorer
Survey the solar system, observing the length of a year and the orbital path of each object. The positions of the eight official planets are displayed, as well as one dwarf planet, Pluto. Learn about Kepler's Laws and how planets are classified.
Are you ready for a space mission powered by Newton’s laws?
Launch the new Save a Satellite STEM Case into your classroom.