PLIX Cube Sats

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Shared from the Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX), Cube Sats is a series of workshops for exploring outer space environments using small, instrument- and sensor-laden spacecraft. Grounded in creative learning pedagogy, it is designed to be easily deployed in any informal or formal learning environment!

The use of cube satellites (or cubesats), a type of miniaturized satellite for space research, is revolutionizing the way that we explore our universe. Use these sessions in order, or mix and match activities!

Learning Goals

We aim to:

Foster a hands-on creative environment to engage with ideas about outer space exploration and small satellite design
Experience the engineering and design lifecycle, using low-cost and reusable materials.
Engage patrons in collecting and analyzing their own data.
Facilitate discussions on emerging outer space technologies and how these can help address challenges on Earth (including climate change).

Three-Workshop Series

Each of the three workshops centers on one key element of spacecraft design cycle:

📐 Rapid Prototyping: Patrons design and build their own mock cube satellites and then come up with their own testing strategies to assess their designs.
🧪 Payload Development: Patrons explore different payloads that they will integrate into their satellite and use for data collection.
🎈 Satellite Launch & Data Collection: Patrons launch their designs on tethered balloons to collect data for analysis.

Facilitator Resources

🚀Introduction to CubeSats and Space Exploration

📖CubeSats Reading List

📹CubeSats Video Resources

Facilitation

What We ❤️ About This activity

🪐 Provides a creative pathway for getting started with engineering for outer space This activity invites learners of all backgrounds to engage with ideas related to outer space exploration and satellite design in a hands-on and playful way.

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 Encourages peer learning and collaboration Patrons work together in the engineering and creation process to share, remix, and riff on ideas for prototyping model satellites.

📊 Supports data literacy Engaging and hands-on prompts encourage patrons to collect, manipulate, and analyze their own data.

🌍 Offers an entry point for dialog about our changing planet The activities can spark discussions about how emerging outer space technologies can help to address some of the challenges we face here on Earth, including climate change.

About PLIX Cube Sats

This series of workshops is inspired by an outreach program at the Media Lab, Climate CubeSat Co-Building (C3), developed by the Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative. The first iteration of PLIX CubeSats was co-designed with members of the PLIX Team as well as library professionals from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (North Carolina) and Cambridge Public Library (Massachusetts).