| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: understand that a satellite in a geostationary orbit remains at the same point above the Earth’s surface, with an orbital period of 24 hours, orbiting from west to east, directly above the Equator |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the universal law of gravitation and its role in satellite motion.
- Calculate the orbital radius and altitude required for a geostationary orbit using the period formula.
- Explain why a geostationary satellite must orbit eastward in the equatorial plane with a 24‑hour period.
- Analyse how gravity provides the centripetal force for circular satellite orbits.
- Predict the effects of deviating from the three geostationary conditions.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Slide deck with equations and diagrams
- Calculator or computer with spreadsheet software
- Worksheet with practice problems on orbital calculations
- Model of Earth and satellite (globe with string)
- Exit‑ticket cards
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a communications satellite appearing fixed over a city and ask how this is possible. Recall the universal law of gravitation and the concept of circular orbital motion from previous lessons. Explain that today students will determine the specific conditions that allow a satellite to stay over the same point on Earth and will calculate the required orbital radius.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick mental‑recall quiz on F = G m₁ m₂ / r² and centripetal force.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Derive orbital speed and period formulas and link them to satellite motion.
- Guided calculation (12'): In pairs, compute the geostationary radius and altitude using the given constants.
- Demonstration (8'): Show a 3‑D animation/model of a satellite in an equatorial orbit, highlighting eastward motion.
- Concept check (5'): Exit‑ticket question – “List the three conditions a satellite must meet to be geostationary.”
- Homework briefing (5'): Assign worksheet problems on varying orbital periods and non‑geostationary orbits.
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Conclusion:
Recap that a geostationary satellite must orbit in the equatorial plane, travel eastward, and have a 24‑hour period, giving an altitude of about 35,786 km. Have students write one sentence on the role of gravity as the centripetal force on their exit ticket. Remind them to complete the worksheet for the next lesson, where they will explore non‑geostationary orbits.
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