Getting There!: Navigation and Trajectory

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In this two-part activity, learners map a navigation plan to get from Earth to Mars and back. In activity one, learners represent the orbital paths of Earth through dance and dramatic movement. In activity two, learners working in pairs plot the paths (trajectories) of a spacecraft traveling between Earth and Mars in the year 2018 and returning in 2020, while using the minimum amount of fuel. This lesson guide includes background information, suggested questions, answer keys, and handouts.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Procedure Handouts: Dancing with the Planets (p. 7 of PDF)
  • costume and prop materials as needed
  • Student Procedure Handouts: Plotting the Paths of Spacecraft (p. 8 of PDF)
  • Student Sheets: Earth to Mars and Mars to Earth (p. 9-10 of PDF)
  • pencils
  • drawing compass
  • Teacher Answer Key (pgs. 5-6)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Planets
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
      • Probability
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Circles
      • Rate
    • Number and Operations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Projectile Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Activity
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • hear
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • Public domain, ,