Tenth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (Page 2)

Simulating The Kessler Syndrome: How Satellite Collisions Could Spiral Out of Control

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

What happens when a satellite collision in space leads to a chain reaction of more collisions? This project models The Kessler Syndrome: A scenario in which collisions between satellites in low Earth orbit create increasing amounts of debris, eventually making the region too dangerous for satellites or spacecraft to operate safely. By adjusting key variables like collision rates and debris generation, you can visualize how quickly space around Earth could become overcrowded, and explore… Read more

Build a Solar-Tracking Robot

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Light sensors are part of many devices that we use every day. For example, they help your phone know when to automatically brighten or dim the screen based on ambient light levels. They can also be used to help solar panels track the sun, which helps the panels generate more power. Many spacecraft and planetary rovers are solar-powered. In this project you will build and program your own solar-tracking robot. Optionally, you can add solar panels and rechargeable batteries. Can your robot keep… Read more

Build an Autonomous Arduino Robot with Bump Sensors

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Mechanical switches are common in many machines and robots. They can be used to detect when a button is pushed, when a door is open, or a low-speed collision when two objects bump into each other. Switches can act as "bump sensors" on a simple robot to help it detect when it hits an obstacle. The robot can use this information to navigate around obstacles and avoid getting stuck. Can you build and program a robot that can drive around your house while using bump sensors to avoid obstacles? Read more

Detecting Exoplanets Using Transit Photometry—Advanced

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

In astronomy, a transit (or astronomical transit) is a phenomenon when a celestial body passes directly between a larger body and the observer. As viewed from a particular vantage point, the transiting body appears to move across the face of the larger body, covering a small portion of it. The word "transit" refers to cases where the nearer object appears smaller than the more distant object. Cases where the nearer object appears larger and completely hides the more distant object are known as… Read more

Keep Your Arduino Robot From Falling Off a Cliff

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Humans cannot see infrared light, but robots can! At least, they can when they use special infrared light sensors. These sensors can help robots detect nearby objects to avoid collisions and even help them avoid driving off edges. In this project you will build your own Arduino robot that uses infrared sensors to avoid driving off the edge of a table. Read more

Mars Terrain Exploration: A Hands-On Coding Investigation

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Have you ever wondered what the surface of Mars is really like close up? Are you wondering what the Mars rovers get to see and experience? Some parts of Mars look smooth and sandy, whereas others are covered in rocks and rough terrain. In this project, you’ll step into the role of a planetary scientist and use real Mars rover images and Python code to detect, measure, and compare rocks across different types of Martian terrain. Here you’ll explore how image processing can help… Read more

Motorized Arduino Cable-Driven Spacecraft Motion Simulator

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

How do you practice docking a spacecraft with the International Space Station or landing on Mars? With a room-sized cable-driven spacecraft motion simulator! In this project, you will build your own miniature, motorized version of a full-sized motion simulator scientists are developing that can move model spacecraft around in a controlled manner. Read more

NASA Asteroid Database: What Can You Learn About Our Solar System?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Did you know that in addition to the Sun and planets, our solar system is filled with millions of asteroids, which are chunks of rock left over from the early days of its formation, or from collisions between larger objects like planets? Agencies like NASA track asteroids, not only because they might pose a threat to humanity by colliding with Earth, but because they can provide us with information about the history of our solar system, and even be useful for mining raw materials in space! In… Read more

Planet Hunters TESS

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA's Explorers program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission. It was launched on April 18, 2018 atop a Falcon 9 rocket. During its two-year primary mission, it was expected to find more than 20,000 transiting exoplanets, compared to about 3,800 exoplanets known when it launched. The first light image from TESS was taken on August… Read more

Satellite Collision Detection: A Hands-On Coding Experience

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Have you ever wondered what would happen if two satellites crashed into each other in space? While space may seem empty, Earth’s orbit is actually crowded with satellites and debris. In this project, you’ll step into the role of a space engineer, using real satellite data to model orbits, track their movement, and predict potential collisions. You’ll explore how gravity and speed affect a satellite’s movement and learn how scientists use simple math and code to prevent… Read more

Tenth Grade, Space Exploration Projects, Lessons, Activities (38 results)

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