Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8
Subject
Mathematics, Physical Science, Technology, Measurement and Data Analysis, Numbers and Operations, Problem Solving, Waves, Energy, Communication, Remote Sensing, Satellites
Type
Lesson Plans / Activities
Students will take on the roles of the NASA team developing the DSN by simulating how data transmitted across the DSN can be delayed, degraded, and delivered.
Students will:
- Model how data (packets) can become degraded during deep space communications.
- Develop a protocol to diminish the amount of packet loss and degradation of data transmitted across networks.
- Explain Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), the protocol for packaging messages for delivery in the Deep Space Network (DSN).
Next Generation Science Standards: MS-PS4-2
Common Core State Standards: CSS.Math.Practice.MP3
Computer Science (CSTA): 2-NI-04
Language Arts (CCSS): RST.6-8.7, 6-8.2: D
This lesson plan is part of the “Deep Space Communication Educator Guide.”
Additional Resource
NASA’s Deep Space Communications Game Instructions – Find a detailed list of materials and the “Delayed, Degraded, Delivered” worksheet starting on page 10 of the ‘First Woman’ Graphic Novel and Camp Experience.