Signal Hunter Worksheet Signal Hunter
Satellite Tech Investigation
Name:
Date:
Warm-Up: The Location List
Think about the apps on your phone or tablet. Which ones ask for permission to use "Location Services" ? List as many as you can below.
Video Notes: Beyond the Blue Dot
As we watch the video (focusing on 3:43 - 4:10), record how different fields use GPS data for things other than just giving directions.
Gaming & Entertainment
How do games like Pokémon GO use your location?
Precision Farming
Why would a farmer need a satellite signal for their crops?
Scientific Research
List two ways scientists use GPS (hint: think about the Earth and animals).
Reflection: Pitch Prep
Our App Idea
App Name:
The Problem We Are Solving:
How it uses GPS data:
30-Second Pitch Checklist
Clear Problem
GPS Explanation
App Name
Satellite Savvy Presentation Satellite Savvy
Unlocking the Power of GPS
The Location List
5:00
Which apps on your phone or tablet ask for "Location Services"?
List as many as you can!
How Does GPS Work?
Focus: 3:43 — 4:10 (Beyond Navigation)
Embedded media
Beyond Navigation
Precision Farming
Using satellites to plant seeds in perfectly straight rows and track soil health.
Plate Tectonics
Tracking the tiny movements of Earth's plates to predict earthquakes.
Wildlife Science
Following migration patterns of birds, turtles, and lions to protect them.
App Design Challenge
25:00
1
Identify a Problem
Finding lost pets, tracking trash in the ocean, or safety for hikers.
2
Design the Interface
Sketch what the user sees on their screen.
3
Explain the Data
How exactly does GPS help solve this problem?
Grab your Activity Guide to start sketching!
Shark Tank: GPS Edition
You have 30 seconds to pitch your app to the class. Tell us the name, the problem, and the satellite power behind it!
Orbit Architect Activity Guide Orbit Architect
App Design Challenge
Team Mission
The Mission
Your team is a boutique tech firm specializing in Satellite Solutions . Your goal is to design a new mobile application that solves a real-world problem using GPS technology .
Think beyond "getting from point A to point B." How can knowing an exact location help people, animals, or the environment?
Requirements
Problem Statement: Clearly identify who is being helped and why.The Interface: A visual sketch of what the app looks like on a phone.GPS Explanation: How does the satellite signal solve the problem?
Inspiration Station
Tracking lost pets in real-time
Reporting ocean plastic locations
SOS flares for lost hikers
Crowdsourcing school bus safety
The Blueprint
Team Name: ____________________
Interface Design Area
How it works
Describe the user experience. What happens when the user opens the app? How is GPS involved?
Satellite Data Used
Which data point is most important? (Lat/Long, Time, Movement, etc.)
Sky Guide Teacher Resource Teacher Resource
Sky Guide
Lesson: Satellite Savvy (6th Grade STEM)
45 MIN
Total Duration
Lesson Objective
Students will analyze the mechanics and diverse applications of the Global Positioning System (GPS), distinguishing between basic navigation and specialized uses in science, agriculture, and safety. By the end of the lesson, students will collaborate to design a location-based technology solution for a specific real-world problem.
Key Vocabulary
Triangulation Satellite Receiver Precision Farming Plate Tectonics
Required Materials
Satellite Savvy Slides
Signal Hunter Worksheets
Orbit Architect Guides
Video: GPS - How does it work?
Pencils & Colored Markers
Instructional Sequence
05 min
Warm-Up: Location Services
Students brainstorm apps that track location. Pro-tip: Ask if they've ever seen a "Allow [App] to use your location?" pop-up. Prompt for apps like Life360, Weather, Snapchat (SnapMap), or fitness trackers.
10 min
Video Analysis
Watch the video. Focus on the section from 3:43 to 4:10 . Check for Understanding: Pause at 4:10 and ask: "Why would tracking an earthquake with satellites be better than using sensors on the ground?"
25 min
Group Project: App Design
Students form groups of 3-4. They must solve a problem using GPS. Differentiation: For advanced groups, ask them to explain how triangulation (needing 4 satellites) might be difficult in certain environments (like deep canyons or cities with skyscrapers).
05 min
Reflection: Shark Tank Pitches
Rapid-fire 30-second pitches. Encourage students to be energetic. Discussion Prompt: "Which app idea today seemed the most useful for our local community?"
Observation Key
Video Insight: Scientific Research
Expected answers: Scientists track plate tectonics/earthquakes by measuring millimeters of movement. They also use GPS collars to track wildlife migration paths.
Video Insight: Precision Farming
Expected answers: Farmers use GPS to steer tractors in perfectly straight lines, saving fuel and preventing seed overlap. It helps them map which parts of the field need more water or fertilizer.
Common Misconceptions
"GPS needs the internet": Clarify that GPS is a one-way signal from satellites. While maps need internet to download images, the GPS signal itself works even with no cell service. 
