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Website
NASA

Nasa: The Space Place: Orbits 'R' Us

For Students 4th - 8th
Learn about how Earth orbits the sun and how satellites orbit the Earth. Discover the different types of satellites such as GOES and POES and what they are used to monitor.
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Website
NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Scijinks: Satellites Technology

For Students 3rd - 8th
Describes satellites including what they are used for, important roles they play, how a weather satellite is built, and how a satellite stays in orbit using text and video of varying length.
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Handout
NASA

Nasa: The Space Place: Sorting Out Trees in the Forest

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration provides fun information on the subject. "people can do their jobs even better if they have very accurate images of the ground. Oddly enough, the best way to see lots of...
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Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Circular Motion Principles for Satellites

For Students 9th - 10th
From The Physics Classroom. Uses easy- to-understand language to discuss how circular motion principles apply to the motion of satellites. Describes the tangential velocity and centripetal acceleration of a satellite. Includes many...
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Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Mathematics of Satellite Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
The mathematics associated with the motion of satellites is described. Equations (for period, velocity, acceleration and force) are stated, symbols described, and sample problems solved. Includes five practice problems with solutions and...
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eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Energy Relationships for Satellites

For Students 9th - 10th
The orbits of satellites are described and an energy analysis is performed. Kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy are explained and applied to the motion of satellites.
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Interactive
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbit Velocity

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion and statement of an equation for orbital speed. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to investigate the relationship between orbital height and orbital speed. A very good opportunity to practice and receive...
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Handout
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Satellite Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
An animation depicting the path of projectiles launched at various launch speeds from the fictional Newton's Mountain. Accompanying text discusses satellite motion and the requirements of orbital motion. Links to further information is...
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eBook
NASA

Nasa: Kepler's Second Law

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...
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Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Global Positioning Satellites

For Students 9th - 10th
The physics associated with global positioning satellites is discussed. The mechanism by which they triangulate the location of an object is described.
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Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit

For Students 9th - 10th
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...
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eBook
NASA

Nasa: The Rocket Motor

For Students 9th - 10th
An online version of a book pertaining to task of launching rockets into space and subsequently navigating them through space. The first several "chapters" (pages) describe the influence of gravity on Earth and the barriers which it...