Audience
Educators
Grade Levels
Grades 9-12
Subject
Mathematics, Physical Science, Space Science, Technology, Waves, Sound, Missions to Planets and Moons, Communication
Type
Lesson Plans / Activities
When scientists and engineers want to send commands to a spacecraft in deep space, they turn to the Deep Space Network, NASA’s international array of giant radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft at the Moon and beyond. Part of tracking and monitoring a spacecraft involves determining the spacecraft’s speed using the Doppler effect.
The Doppler effect on sound waves is readily observable by students. This hands-on activity gives students first hand experience with this phenomenon.