Learning objectives
iUses of artificial satellites.
iiKeeping satellites in orbit.
Scientific enquiry
iiiUse a model of gravitational attraction to explain how satellites stay in orbit.
Suggested alternative starter activities (5–10 minutes)
Recap last lesson / Share learning objectives / Problem solving / Brainstorming / Capture interest
Quick questions for pupils to answer as they come in. /
  • Describe some of the uses made of artificial satellites.
  • Use a model to explain how satellites stay in orbit. (Sc1)
/ Demonstration of circular motion – whirling an object around on a string. / Group discussion on what a satellite needs to have to work and to send and collect data. / Show photos of artificial satellites (e.g. weather, communications, space stations).
Catalyst Interactive Presentations 3
Suggested alternative main activities
Activity / Learning objectives see above / Description / Approx.
timing / Target group
C / H / E / S
Textbook J2 / i, ii, and iii / Teacher-led explanation and questioning ORPupils work individually, in pairs or in small groups through the in-text questions and then onto the end-of-spread questions if time allows. / 20 min / R/G / G / R / S
Activity J2a Paper / i, ii and iii / Escape from EarthPupils review several different concepts first covered in Year 7 work on forces such as weight, mass and gravity that relate to the work covered in this unit. / 20–30min / 
Activity J2b
Catalyst Interactive Presentations 3 / i, ii, and iii / Animation showing satellite moving tangentially to Earth with force of gravitational attraction towards Earth all the time. / 5–10 min /  /  / 
Suggested alternative plenary activities (5–10 minutes)
Review learning / Sharing responses / Group feedback / Word game / Looking ahead
True/false quiz on facts about satellites. / Pupils discuss their responses to Activity J2a. / Play 'What am I?'game. The winning group is the one with the most correct answers in the allotted time. / Invite volunteer pupils to list as many things as possible related to the lesson in 30 seconds. / Ask the question: 'How do we know the Earth is round?'
Learning outcomes
Most pupils will … / Some pupils, making less progress will … / Some pupils, making more progress will …
  • give examples of the use of artificial satellites.
/
  • give examples of the use of artificial satellites.
/
  • also understand that satellites are constantly falling in a curve that keeps them in orbit.

Key words / Out-of-lesson learning
artificial satellite, natural satellite, geostationary orbit, polar orbit / Homework J2
Textbook J2 end-of-spread questions
Activity J2a
Research uses of artificial satellites

© Harcourt Education Ltd 2004 Catalyst 3

This worksheet may have been altered from the original on the CD-ROM.