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Have the class brainstorm a list of possible functions of satellites. Then create a class list of needs, specific to Canada, which satellites could help meet (for example, providing information to a large country, accessing areas which are sparsely populated).

Have students browse the topic site and list as many tasks as they can that satellites perform. Then, in pairs, they can compare their list of tasks to the list created in Before Exploring. Finally, looking at their list of Canada’s needs, students should review satellite tasks and take notes about how satellites meet those needs.

Students can share their lists and notes with the class. As a class, have students explain whether satellite technology affects each need positively or negatively, and give examples from the clips they viewed.

Have students browse the site, this time focussing on the arguments presented either for or against satellite use for a given task. Students should list the arguments or fears expressed in the clips, then list the benefits described. As a class, discuss whether those fears have come to fruition, and how the benefits have played out for society today. Students can create a visual display or a Web page to summarize their findings.