Investigating satellite dishes

In this activity, students use a model of a satellite dish to investigate how a curved reflector can be used to increase Wi-Fi signal strength as received by a cell phone.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• describe how a concave satellite dish receives signals from a satellite

• use a model of a satellite dish using an umbrella and aluminium foil as a curved reflector to increase the strength of a Wi-Fi signal and to locate the position of maximum signal strength.

Investigating satellite dishes

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This activity uses an umbrella lined with aluminium foil to model a satellite dish. The strength of a wireless signal is increased.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

Referencing Hub media

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

• introduction/background notes

• what you need

• what to do

• extension ideas.