The Space Ball Project

There are many interesting questions to explore before the satellite is launched.  These questions can be explored on line, giving students the opportunity to interact with college students, scientists and engineers around the world.  Pre-college learners will "own" the satellite, and design it and its behavior.  It will be the learners’ satellite.  Pre-launch questions will provide the basis for many collaborative educational activities. Some pre-launch questions are:

• How high?
• How big?
• How heavy?
• How long should it last in orbit?
• What is the orbital plane?
• How fast should it spin?
• Should it spin before or after hardening
• What colors?
• How many colors?
• Should it be frosted or shiny?
• What could a small amount of electrical power be used for?
• Where would photocells be placed?
     Would it need a battery?
• What tools will be useful? For example:
• Sighting tubes
• Skin cards
• Reference standards
• Tracking maps, logs
• GPS
• What are the geopolitical ramifications?
• What are the Internet activities and spaces?
• How are decisions made?
• How are tasks allocated?
• What is it called?
• Who owns it?

Many of these questions do not have truly correct answers. They represent part of an experimental design, with its attendant compromises.  This teaches much about the scientific method and group activities.