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Tracking Space Junk

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Tracking Space Junk

Tracking Space Junk

Satellite tracking space debris around Earth

🛰️ Part 1: Understanding Space Junk Tracking

1. What tools do scientists use to track space junk? Circle all that apply:

Radar

Telescopes

Computers

Magic wands

2. Why is it important to track space junk? Circle the best answer:

To keep space safe

To count how many pieces there are

To make pretty pictures

To sell the space junk

3. Fill in the blanks:

Scientists watch the sky with special __________ to see and know where space junk is. They need to track objects that are moving very __________ around Earth.

📊 Part 2: Recording Your Tracking Data

4. During our bean bag tracking activity, record your observations:

Partner's name: _________________

Time 1 (1 second): Position of bean bag: ____________________

Time 2 (2 seconds): Position of bean bag: ____________________

Time 3 (3 seconds): Position of bean bag: ____________________

5. Draw the path your "space junk" (bean bag) took through the air:
6. What was difficult about tracking the moving object?

🎯 Part 3: Tracking Challenge

7. Match the tracking method with what it does:
1. Radar
2. Telescope
3. Computer
A. Stores and calculates tracking data
B. Sees objects far away in space
C. Sends signals to find objects
8. If you were a space scientist, what would you want to know about a piece of space junk? Check all that apply:

Where it is right now

How fast it's moving

What colour it is

Where it will be tomorrow

How big it is

🤔 Part 4: Thinking About Space Safety

9. What might happen if space junk isn't tracked? Explain your thinking:
10. True or False? Circle your answer:

Space junk moves very slowly around Earth. TRUE / FALSE

Scientists need teamwork to track space junk. TRUE / FALSE

Only one person can track all the space junk. TRUE / FALSE

11. Draw a picture showing how scientists might track space junk from Earth:
12. Describe one way scientists might track space junk based on today's activity:

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