Why is there junk in space? | Teach with space PR51

Do you want to learn how Space Debris is generated? In this classroom resource, we will use marbles as satellites populating orbits around Earth. By throwing marbles into each orbit scenario, we will learn how the principle of the Kessler Effect works. Are space debris more often as big as a school bus, or a small as a marble? In this resource we will also learn how many big or small debris are orbiting the Earth, by simulating a debris collision using crisps and measuring the resulting pieces sizes!

Languages: English, French, German

Subject: Mathematics, Physics

Age range: 7-11 years old

Keywords: materials, forces, Earth and space, solar system, orbit, forces, contact, collision, friction, impact, debris, gravity

Learning Objectives:

• Understand that collisions between objects in Earth’s orbit can lead to several more collisions

• Understand that satellites burn up upon reentry to Earth’s atmosphere

• Understand that repeated impacts increase the amount of space debris

• Be able to work scientifically by making careful observations, looking for patterns and relationships