Satellites
Learn about important satellites and how satellites are designed. Then, build your own model satellite.
Satellites
Image courtesy of NASA
Build a Model Satellite
Materials:
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Juice Box or other Small Cardboard Box or Toilet Paper Roll
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Toothpicks
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Aluminum Foil
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Cardboard (preferably thin) or Foam that can can be Cut into Rectulangar Shape
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Scissor
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Straw or Popsicle Stick
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Glue Stick
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Water Bottle Cap or Similar
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Tape
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Printable Cutout Sheet for Activity (found at Bottom of Cosmoto's Week 1 Site Page)
Step 1
Wrap aluminum foil around the toilet paper roll or a small box/juice box.
Step 2
Cut a small hole in each side of the toilet paper roll (or a small box/juice box). Have a parent help you with this step. Stick your popsicle stick or straw through the holes on each side.
Step 3
Cut 2 cardboard rectangles out of equal size (have an adult help you with cutting the cardboard). Glue the solar panel cutouts from the cutout sheet to the cardboard rectangles. (The graph design on the cutout sheet can be cut smaller than indicated on the cutout sheet to fit the size of each of your cardboard panels if needed.)
Step 4
Tape the cardboard solar panels to the popsicle stick or straw. Make sure to use lots of tape to secure it in place.
Step 5
Wrap the toothpick in aluminum foil, then attach it to the end of your satellite by poking a hole through the foil.
Step 6
Cut out the satellite dish on the cutout sheet. Make sure to follow the cutout lines closely. Pull the ends together so that the sides of the dish become tilted. Tape the dish on both side. Then, use tape to attach the dish to the front of the satellite.
Step 7
Roll a piece of tape so that it is sticky on both ends. Then, use the piece of tape to attach a bottle cap to one end of the satellite.
Your satellite is now finished!
