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 Overview
Satellite Rescue Introduction
The Mission Scenario
Learning Objectives
NCTM Standards
Technology Requirements
Credits
Technology Requirements

Requirements

  1. Videoconferencing system with monitor or LCD.
    • The videoconferencing system can be a dedicated videoconferencing unit, by manufacturers such as Polycom®, Tandberg™, or VTEL®, or it can be an extra computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, speakers, and videoconferencing software, such as Microsoft® NetMeeting®.
    • The videoconferencing system should be connected to a large screen (either a monitor or an LCD projector). The image should be displayed in the front of the room so the students can see the mission commander and video clips.
  2. There should be four teams of students, and each team will require one or more computers connected to the Internet. Each team will have the following computer requirements:
    • Life support team: three computers
    • Task control team: at least one computer
    • Special operations team: at least one computer
    • Communications team: one computer
  3. Macromedia® Flash® player v. 7.0 and optional NetMeeting (both software programs are free and available on the Internet). The Flash tools for the mission will not work properly without Flash Player 7.0 or higher.
  4. Printer (network, optional).
  5. Digital camera (optional). A digital camera is valuable for recording the excitement of the mission.

Videoconferencing System

The videoconferencing system can be either a stand-alone unit (such as Polycom, Tandberg, etc.) or a computer-based system (PC with a webcam and NetMeeting software).

  • If you have a stand-alone videoconferencing system, make sure it is connected using IP. If you are using ISDN or ATM lines, you will require a bridging system.
  • If you have a computer-based videoconferencing system, and the computer is a PC, you have to install Windows NetMeeting. Unfortunately there are no free videoconferencing software downloads available for Macs that we can recommend.

Connection Procedures

  • Test the audio/video connection at least one week before.
  • Make sure the camera and microphone are easily accessible by anyone visiting the primary communications center.
  • The whole class should be able to see and hear the mission commander. Make sure you can turn up the audio loud. Make sure the video can be seen anywhere in the room.
  • During the audio/video connection you will need to test the computers. Using one of the computers you will use during the mission, go to the following URL: http://www.e-missions.net/flashcom/satellite  (must have Flash Player v 7.0 or higher).
    • Team Name: Select the team name from the dropdown menu.
    • Password: provided on mission day (use lowercase only).
    • (Optional) Bookmark as a favorite on all computers the following URL: http://www.e-missions.net/flashcom/satellite.

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