Geometry
Key Topics: Circle Properties and Similarity
When the space shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center, it must launch within a certain time frame called a launch window in order to successfully dock with the International Space Station. When the space shuttle reaches orbit both vehicles are traveling in circular orbits around the Earth. Students will use circle properties to predict and monitor the vehicles positions.
Students will
- use geometric definitions to describe the properties of circles;
- find the circumference of circles;
- calculate arc lengths;
- find the measure of central angles; and
- use the properties of similarity, such as scale factor.
DOWNLOADS
› It All Comes Full Circle Educator Edition (PDF 393 KB)
› It All Comes Full Circle Student Edition (PDF 344 KB)
Related Media
› VIDEO: Real World: Calculating Shuttle Launch Windows
