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Using the Slider Map

Overview
In this activity, students will become familiar with the use of the slider map and how to view the ground track of a particular orbit.

Time
1 class period

Materials
Slider map (one world map (22"x42") and one plastic orbit overlay)
Waterbased ink marker (any color but black)
Masking tape
2-4 plastic runners (optional)
Student Worksheet 7.1 and 7.2
Computer with access to the SMOC web pages

Getting Ready
Tape the world map to a table and place the plastic orbit overlay nearby.
Students should work in groups of 4 or 5 with one slider map per group.
Explain to the students how to use the slider map.

Procedure
1. Lay the world map out on a flat surface, and secure it with tape at the corners.
2. Align the plastic orbit overlay on the map so the dotted line is aligned with the equator on the world map.
3. Slide the overlay to set the descending node at the longitude corresponding to the longitude of the descending of the orbit you are interested in.
4. Make sure the dotted line is still aligned with the equator of the world map and then secure the plastic orbit overlay to the map.

Note: For more help refer to "How to Use the Slider Map" (page 7.6).

Discussion
Have the students discover possible targets for mission planning. For example, famous cities, interesting landmarks, particular land features, places associated with current events or various geological occurrences.

Note: There are two worksheets for this activity- one that just uses the slider map and one that has the students use both the slider map and the SMOC Status web page. Although these worksheets look similar, they are not identical!

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