How does NASA know when to launch a mission to another planet? This investigation simulates an analysis of the angular motion of Earth and a mock planet, Planet X. By creating an Excel table tracking the motion the two planets as well as a graph, the launch window can be determined.

This investigation is done as a whole class activity with a mock planet. Students then complete the same analysis for the planet that they have individually been studying.

This post was edited by Karen Crounse on Mar, 2009

Karen-
This is a very interesting lesson. Your expertise on downloading information and using it is apparent. We discuss (on a lower level) the trajectory of baseballs and how the angles are adjustable based on positions, etc. I am going to use that along with this, since my students know how to use Excel, and merge them together. Can't believe it is mid-March.
See you soon.
Andrea