Exploring Space

Learning about satellites

As part of our ‘exploring space’ topic in Science, Year 8 pupils have been learning about and building models of satellites.

A satellite is a moon, planet or machine that orbits a planet or star. For example Earth is a satellite that orbits the sun. Likewise the moon is a satellite as it orbits the Earth. A satellite can be a machine that is launched into space. The machine satellites help us to communicate with each other, survey space and provide information on the weather, which helps us understand climate change. Satellites can also help us travel safely across the world.

These are the satellites that Year 8 pupils designed and constructed, using simple materials found at home. They include features such as an orientation finder, power source, communication device and a storage area for all the scientific gizmos it needs to carry.