Center # 1
Topic: Communication Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 11, all but first
Level of Difficulty: Medium
paragraph
Video Link: “Satellites 101, Communications Portion” * View from 4:06 to 5:24
Tells how satellites allow communications to all corners of Earth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbDQSxUXefk&feature=related
Video Link: “Satellite Shopping”
News correspondent, tired of paying wireless providers, looks into getting his own satellite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71-OSmXBo9U
Video Link: “Telstar 1”
The original news broadcast about Telstar 1, the first communications satellite. 2012 is the
fiftieth anniversary of Telstar. An interesting part is when they predict about future uses of
satellites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRHpl2gZOo0
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #1
Center # 2
Topic: Environmental Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 12, first paragraph
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Video Link: “NPPy: Big Planet, Little Bear”
Nippy, an animated bear, talks about climate change and a new NASA satellite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeWp34IhJCo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Video Link: “NASA’s NPP Satellite to Expand Earth’s Watch”
A new satellite will help scientists learn more about climate change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6RKyIIyOqM
Video Link: “Terra’s Tenth Anniversary”
Terra, an earth-observing satellite launched in 1999, helps scientists study our planet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOAFp0fZzDo
Video Link: “GOCE: Why Gravity Matters!”
This European Space Agency (ESA) satellite measures variations in the Earth’s gravity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62pL2zlrNRs&feature=relmfu
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #2
Center # 3
Topic: Military or Spy Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 12, second
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
paragraph, plus page 13
Video Link: “Satellites of War”
The first shots of future wars could be disrupting the enemy’s satellite communication
capability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbJryUU7gd4
Video Link: “Spy Satellites Green Lighted for Use on Americans”
The U. S. government is now allowed to use spy satellites to watch potential law-breakers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebv9wWoK0fA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Video Link: “CIA Spying on Americans Using Household Items”
If it’s hooked to the Internet, it can be used to track you. Also, social networking (like Facebook)
is creating problems for future CIA agents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIyoV4NqEkI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Video Link: “Government ADMITS Listening on Your Cell Phone Even When it's Off!”
Can the government really listen to your conversations through your cell phone even when it’s
turned off?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Twx2XzjiyA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #3
Center # 4
Topic: Weather Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 15
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Video Link: “NOAA-N Prime Mission Overview” *Watch until at least 3:25
A good overview telling about the many surprising uses of weather satellites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5gD-YVpnzo&feature=plcp
Video Link: “Saved by a Weather Satellite”
Weather Satellites are used for more than just forecasting. This sailor’s life was saved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU_0gz5T7Rc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Video link: “Scientists Answer Top Space Weather Questions, Part II”
How solar (sun) events affect the earth, including the effects on satellites and communication
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcqH_l6Mso&feature=plcp
Video Link: “Worries About Weather Satellites”
The number of working weather satellites orbiting the earth is beginning to decline.
http://www.weather.com/weather/videos/news-41/space-449/worries-about-weathersatellites-28375
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #4
Center # 5
Topic: Navigational Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 16, box and 1st
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
paragraph
Video Link: “How GPS Works”
Interview with representative of NASA Langley Research Center; explains trilateration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjld-edVj8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Video Link: “Galileo -- Europe Leads the Way... in 3D!”
A video about the new Galileo satellite navigation system, a joint development by the European
Union and European Space Agency
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHujwZk7ybY
Video Link: “Save the Elephants, Africa”
How Google Earth is used by a group that wants to preserve elephants in Africa
http://www.google.com/earth/explore/showcase/changetheworld.html#tab=save-theelephants
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #5
Center # 6
Topic: Astronomical Satellites
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 16, last paragraph, all of 17
Level of Difficulty:
Challenging
Video Link: “Space Shuttle Mission to Repair Hubble Telescope”
This video clip gives background information about the Hubble Telescope and talks about the fifth and last
mission to repair the Hubble, which is set to retire in 2014.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RimxFllLjPs
Video Link: “Black Hole Hunter”
NASA’s new NuSTAR telescope will take much better pictures of space, and has the ability to take X-rays,
allowing scientists to see black holes in galaxies hidden behind clouds of dust and gas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlKh3NP6U-w
Video Link: “Black Hole Swallows Star”
No audio on this one, just a video taken from an astronomical satellite of a black hole devouring a star
http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a010000/a010800/a010807/10807_Black_Hole_Swallows_Star_H264_960x720
_29.97_Apple_TV.m4v
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #6
Center # 7
Topic: International Space Station
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 19, first two paragraphs on page 20
Level of Difficulty:
Medium
Video Link: “The International Space Station: Together is the Future” Watch about five minutes.
Tells the history of the space station and the useful research that’s being done aboard it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtrVwX1ncqk&feature=related
Video Link: “How to Drink Water in Space”
No audio, very short…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7KEPtNGvA
Video Link: “NASA Robonaut 2 to Help Astronauts in Orbit”
A short documentary about the development of a robot to help with the tasks astronauts on space
station must perform
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6-HzGX-ObQ&feature=related
Video Link: “Inside the Space Station – Awesome!”
No audio on this one, just video clips that show what it’s like to live on the space station
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmC2v4G5zq0
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #7
Center # 8
Topic: When Satellites “Die”
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 21, last three paragraphs
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Video Link: “Satellite Slows, Close to Crashing to Earth”
Good explanation of the possibility someone would be hit by a piece of satellite, and some humor as well!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjM6fHA03EI&feature=related
Video Link: “NASA Concerned Over Falling Satellite”
Wait! This reporter from Florida says your chance of being hit is 1 in 3200, higher than the chance of winning the lottery! What?!!
(Note: NASA actually said the chances of SOMEONE (anyone) being hit are 1 in 3200, not the chances of a particular person being hit.
By the way, the pieces of the satellite ended up falling in the ocean.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI4Ug4fCHU4&feature=related
Video Link: “Phoenix”
The goal of U. S. government DARPA Phoenix Program is to develop technology to harvest and reuse parts of nonworking satellites.
Watch as much as you want of the longer video. The images are artist’s depictions, not real footage.
http://www.darpa.mil/Our_Work/TTO/Programs/Phoenix.aspx
Video Link: “U.S. Spy Satellite Shot Down - Ballistic Missile Intercept”
The United States shot down its own dying satellite by firing a missile from a ship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-KHPOMFxNg
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #8
Center # 9
Topic: Space Debris
Text: “Satellites” by Lori Polydoros: page 9
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Video Link: “Space Junk”
Junior commander from Challenger Space Center talks about space debris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA-Ms1RUrPw&feature=related
Video Link: “Satellite Snatcher Will Plunge Space Junk into Atmosphere”
The Swiss Space Agency is developing a satellite, Clean Space One, that will capture and de-orbit space
debris.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGYmphm8eGo&feature=relmfu
Video Link: “Space is Dangerously Polluted”
Discussion of the growing problem and possible solutions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW9k9D13NOI
Directions:
1. Look at the pictures that illustrate the topic, which are included on the next page of this document.
2. Read the text about the topic and fill out a main idea/supporting details graphic organizer.
3. View a video about the topic, using the video link. (Put cursor over address, then press control button and click.) Write the name of the
video where it says “Source” on the other side of your graphic organizer.
4. Write an important new idea that you learned about while viewing the video, and record some details from the video that support the
new idea. You may record a second idea and details from the video if you wish.
5. If there’s time, you may view another video about the topic, using a video link. Record new ideas learned from that video if there’s still
time left.
Satellite Center #9