Challenge #4:
Girls in Space 🚀
UN Sustainable Development Goals no.9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Congratulations peeps…
you are onto the last three challenges of the STEM Cover Girl Challenge!
What is a satellite?
We hear the word ‘satellite’ a lot. But what exactly is it?
A satellite is a small object that moves around or orbits a larger object.
The Moon is a satellite because it orbits around the Earth.
The Earth is a satellite too because it orbits around the Sun. Both the Moon and the Earth are ‘natural satellites’.
But when we talk about satellites, we are often referring to machines created by people that are sent into space by humans to be with the stars✨
Now…Learn how to navigate your way to SPACE!
Track and Build a Satellite!
Why are satellites important?
There are thousands of human-made satellites in space. Some of them take pictures of our planet. Others take pictures of other planets and stars. These satellites send pictures back to scientists and teachers, so they can learn important information about Earth, the solar system and the universe🌏
Satellites can also send signals around the world, so we can listen to the radio, make phone calls and watch TV. Have you ever wondered why weather forecasts can predict if it will be sunny or cloudy over the weekend? Yep, that’s because of satellites too!
Challenge 1: Track a satellite 😯
Just like how we can see the Moon and the stars with our eyes, we can spot satellites in the sky too! All you need is an app that can help you identify where the satellite is and where it is flying towards.
Before you start
Ask an adult (your parent, guardian or teacher) if it’s ok to download a satellite-tracking app either on your phone or their phone. We recommend this one. You can find it available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Pick a place outside to track your satellite. This can be a balcony, backyard or in a park nearby (as long as you can see the sky).
*Tip: Although you can track satellites anytime during the day using the app, there is a better chance you might be able to spot one for yourself if you do it at night!
Start tracking!
Open the app. Follow the instructions to calibrate the phone’s compass, so it recognises the sky.
Once the phone has finished calibration, tap the ‘find’ button in the top right corner. Select Browse > Object Type > Artificial Satellite.
In the dropdown list, pick 3-5 satellites you want to track. Some might not be visible on the night you’re observing (that’s probably because it’s on the other side of the world!)
Now, point the phone up to the sky. Can you successfully track all of the satellites?
Remember to take a screenshot of the satellite and share it with Girls Day Out in STEM to be in the draw for this challenge ✨
Send your work to:
Remember you need your parent/guardian’s permission to send in your work!
Send it to: hello@gdostem.com.au by March 10th at 5pm AEST (Queensland time).
Subject line: Challenge#4 Track-a-satellite
Challenge 2: Build your own satellite 🤩
Now that you know how to track satellites using a phone, it’s time to build your own!
What are satellites made of?
Before starting, it’s important to learn what satellites need in order to work properly in space...
🤩Container - This is the satellite’s main body that holds everything together.
🤩Power source - This is how the satellite generates electricity. Solar panels are a good example of this. They can turn sunlight into electricity to keep the satellite operating for a long time.
🤩Navigation sensors - The satellite needs to know where it is in space and where it’s going. The navigation sensors can ‘guide’ the satellite as it moves or orbits around the Earth. This is what Advanced Navigation creates.
🤩Research tools - These are tools that can collect information and help us learn about space. It can be a camera that takes pictures of the Earth and other planets or a device that studies our Moon.
🤩A communication device - Last but not least, we need some way to ‘talk’ to the satellite when it’s in space. Antennas are a good way to do this as they can send and receive information between us and the satellite.
Find the right material for your satellite!
Together with a teacher or an adult, find material with which you can build your satellite.
We’ve listed some items below for inspiration (pick one from each category). Use your imagination and be creative!
🛰️Container: tissue box, shoe box, water bottle, toilet paper roll, plastic cup
🛰️Power source: cardboard, aluminium foil, craft paper
🛰️Navigation sensors: ear plugs, bottle caps, buttons, beads, shells
🛰️Research tools: Toothpicks, cotton swabs, straws, stickers, beads
🛰️Communication tools: bobby pins, paper clips, cupcake liners, string
🛰️Finally, use tape and glue to hold everything together.
*Tip: Pick different materials depending on how big you want your satellite to be. For example, if you want to build a larger satellite, you can use a shoe box as a container. For a smaller satellite, using a toilet paper roll may be better.
Start building!
Once you have everything ready, use your imagination and start building your satellite! We’ve shared some examples of satellites below to spark your creativity.
🤩Share your work with us!
Take a photo of your masterpiece and send it in for a chance to win a special prize!!!
Email it to: hello@gdostem.com.au
✅Mobile screenshot showing you’ve successfully tracked a satellite 🛰️🛰️🛰️
✅Photograph and/or video footage of your satellite 📸
✅Make sure to get your parent/guardian’s permission before you share anything
✅Subject line: Challenge#4 Build-a-satellite
✅Deadline March 10th at 5pm AEST (Queensland time)
Check out these AWESOME PRIZES for the Challenge#4 prize draw 😯
Firstscope Tabletop Telescope - Robert Reeves Signature Edition
This compact, lightweight telescope is your perfect entry-level astronomical telescope. 🌔🔭
Just remove it from the box, insert the eyepiece and you’re ready to view. To navigate the sky, simply rotate the azimuth axis in the direction of your desired object 🌌🌙 🌃
Viewing the sky doesn’t get much simpler or more portable! You can also take it on your next camping trip, picnic or hike ⛺ 🧺🏔️
Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit
This LEGO® Technic™ Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit space toy set is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about our solar system 🛰️🌏
The interactive set makes it easy to understand different concepts like the orbit of the Earth and the Moon, the Earth’s gravitational pull and how the rotations affect the seasons 🍁❄️☀️🌸
Cool features include a crankshaft that can turn to create the rotations. There are also printed months and moon phases to show the progress of the Earth, Sun and Moon throughout the year✨
🏆Grand Prize draw 🏆
AND remember…If you finish all of the challenges, you will be entered into the Grand Prize Draw for a choice between an iPad or an opportunity to be a STEM Cover Girl on the cover of the Careers with STEM digital magazine. Remember all completed entries must be submitted by the closing of the event: March 10th at 5pm AEST (Queensland time)!
