This page contains lesson plans related to the GOES-O satellite, or some of the topics that GOES-O will study.
Become a Weather Wizard
Introduces common weather concepts and terminology. Shows common weather map symbols and invites students to develop their own weather maps.
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Design and Build Your Own Spacecraft
Use found objects and materials to design and build a model spacecraft.
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Sizing Up the Clouds
The teacher sets up three simulated "clouds" representing three different cloud types. Students use different methods to estimate "precipitation" contents of each cloud type. Each method is roughly analogous to methods actually used in weather forecasting. Finally, the "precipitation" from each cloud will be released, and the students will compare their estimates to what is actually experienced on the "ground."
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Team Up on the Weather
Explains how weather satellites, teamed with scientists, pilots, computers programmers, and super computers work together to save lives and property by predicting where large storms will hit and giving people time to get out of the way. Includes a fun weather trivia game with lots of background information.
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Water Works on a Blue Planet
Learn about Earth's water cycle and water budget. Do a poster or mural that shows some of the ways water is transported from place to place on Earth.
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Write the Book on Weather Metrics
Introduces weather terminology. Invites students to investigate how we measure the weather and other characteristics of the atmosphere and create their own "Book of Weather Metrics."
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Informal Education Links
Extreme Weather on Various Planets: The Space Place
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GOES Orbit Game:
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Hurricane On-line Puzzle: The Space Place:
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Satellites to the Rescue
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SciJinks Educational Interactive GOES Weather Laboratory
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Severe Space Weather
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Solar Indigestion: The Space Place
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"How Do You Make a Weather Satellite" booklet by Ed Koenig is now available in English, Spanish and Italian.
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