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Satellite Emergency Network

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Grades 9-1290-120 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Teens design a backup emergency-communication network that keeps working when cell towers and normal internet go down, using simple relay and range concepts to plan coverage. It's resilient-systems thinking for a very real disaster scenario.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 10 minActivity: 30 min1 session~$2/groupOne table for the Satellite Emergency Network evidence and prototypeBeginner-friendly

Setup

Print or handwrite the four Satellite Emergency Network challenge steps and place common paper supplies on one table. Prepare one small sample, dataset, scenario, or recycled-material model drawn directly from the project description; no device, paid tool, room decoration, or purchased kit is required.

Activity

  1. Read the Satellite Emergency Network challenge aloud, then map a region where towers have gone down and predict which relay points would keep the most people connected.
  2. Use paper, index cards, recycled objects, or facilitator-provided sample data to design a relay network on paper and test real range and interference using walkie-talkies around the building or yard.
  3. Run one tabletop trial and discover a dead zone where the signal doesn't reach, and add or move a relay point to cover it.
  4. Finish by present the final emergency communication plan, showing coverage and what happens if one relay point also fails; record the evidence that supports the decision.

Done when: The group completes a defensible Satellite Emergency Network solution, records at least one test result or comparison, changes one claim or design in response, and supports its final decision with that evidence.

Materials

two-way radio set, printed area map, string, marker set

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Map a region where towers have gone down and predict which relay points would keep the most people connected.
  2. Design a relay network on paper and test real range and interference using walkie-talkies around the building or yard.
  3. Discover a dead zone where the signal doesn't reach, and add or move a relay point to cover it.
  4. Present the final emergency communication plan, showing coverage and what happens if one relay point also fails.