Planning AO-51 demo for school....

[VE9DKS]

HI All, I have recently started playing with satellite work and have worked on AO-51 Satellite a few times. I have recently built a 435 mhz helical and am working on a 2m beam for a small sat. working antenna farm. I also have built a portable tripod to set these up on (manually adjusted for now).

I would like to make arrangements to have a demonstration at the local school, giving kids a bit of insight on Amateur Radio and how I am contacting people through satellite. ... And likely letting kids make contacts through it as well...

Any ideas on what I should have for display material for the kids, maybe some pamphlets that have some websites and such??.... What else would be good to show the kids..... I have some ideas but just looking for some other opinions/ideas.

Really would like to see some young blood started into the hobby in my area

Thanks!

VE9DKS

Danny

[KI4MRU]

Something I would consider a "must" would be to have Orbitron or Nova or some other satellite tracking software projected up on a screen in the classroom, showing the satellite's current footprint over the earth. It really helps give a better idea of what exactly is happening, why the satellite is only overhead for 10 minutes or so, who you should expect to hear during your contact (geographically speaking), etc. Plus it looks like something from NASA mission control and the kids should really like that. :)

[KJ4AZX]

Definitely use the pamphlets because that is something that they can take home. KI4MRU had a good idea about the projection.

This website has a good description about satellites. NASA does a good job on explaining how they work. You might be able to search the site and see if you can find live video!
Good Luck!

http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/artificial_satellites_worldbook.html