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Investigating satellites – introduction

A satellite is anything that orbits around another object. Moons are natural satellites that orbit around planets, whereas artificial satellites are objects that people have made and launched ...

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Our Solar System – revolutionary ideas

Since the earliest times, humans have made observations of the night sky. These observations, particularly of the Earth, Moon, Sun and planets (visible to the naked eye), led to the development ...

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Comets

In November 2014, the European Space Agency (ESA) Rosetta Mission landed a space probe called Philae onto the surface of Comet 67P, while Rosetta continued to orbit the comet. The touchdown was ...

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Making digital space debris clean-up games

Space debris is leftover rocket parts and non-functional satellites and any other machinery or debris left by humans. Humans have been launching rockets into space since the 1950s, and now, 70 ...

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Micro:bit and space projects

Satellites and rockets are not easily accessible for most schools in New Zealand. Understandably, this can make experiencing space first hand somewhat difficult! However, students can still carry ...

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Build a 3D satellite model

In this activity, students make a physical model of the satellite shown in the Build a satellite interactive. Making a physical model will help students to see how parts of the satellite relate ...

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Explore related citizen science projects

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

How Deep Is Your Snow?

Large snow events in most parts of New Zealand are uncommon. However, if you are in the South Island or the central North Island, this citizen science project could be a great one for your ...

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Explore Women in STEM – Science, Technology Engineering ...

In this online PD session recorded on 2 June 2016, Andrea Soanes from the Science Learning Hub was joined by three guest presenters – all inspirational women working in STEM – who shared their ...

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Innovation – an integrated approach to science and ...

When St Francis Xavier Catholic School decided on the theme ‘Innovation’ as a whole-school science and technology focus, year 3 teacher Jo Collyer began searching for relevant teaching resources ...

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Physical World – forces

Are you looking for ways to teach forces? If you’re new to the Science Learning Hub, you may want to start with our introductory video on teaching physics. Help, I’m teaching physics Discover ...

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Explore related videos

Gravity keeps satellites in orbit

Dr Allan McInnes and Dr Adrian McDonald, from the University of Canterbury, explain how gravity and projectile motion keep natural and artificial satellites in an orbital path.

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Why visit a comet?

The Rosetta Mission has been a long and complex mission to land a probe on a comet. What exactly is a comet and why land a probe on one? Avionics engineer Warwick Holmes explains how comets may ...

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Cooking a comet

Using party ice, water and charcoal, Rosetta Mission engineer Warwick Holmes and University of Waikato’s John Little create a model of a comet in front of a live audience.

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Explore related interactives

Satellites and orbits

The size, orbit and design of a satellite depend on its purpose. In this interactive, scientists discuss the functions of various satellites and orbits. Accompanying fact files provide ...

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Build a satellite

Choose a mission and then successfully build and launch a satellite that can help gather the data required. Select here for additional information on using this interactive simulation.

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Gravity and satellites: true or false? – graphic ...

Use this interactive graphic organiser to highlight common alternative conceptions about gravity and satellites. Students can place the labels where they think they belong. This activity can be ...

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