Big Brain Shows Lesson Plan Episode 23 • March 11, 2026

Satellites, Slam Dunks, and Super-Animal Moves!

Main Lesson Takeaway

"People learn from both technology and nature—satellites, sports practice, and animal movement all teach us how smart systems work and improve over time."

The Hook (Pre-Watch)

Ask the class before watching:

"Where do you think humans get their best ideas—space technology, sports teamwork, or watching animals—and what’s one example you can think of?"

Vocabulary Focus

radiation

Energy that can travel as waves or tiny particles, and sometimes it can be harmful.

Scientists study radiation in space so they can protect satellites and astronauts during missions.

atmosphere

The blanket of air that surrounds Earth.

When a spacecraft enters the atmosphere, it meets thicker air that makes it heat up fast.

bracket

A chart that shows who plays who in a tournament and who moves on after each win.

Our class made a bracket for a pretend basketball tournament to track which teams advanced each round.

biomechanics

The study of how living things move using bones, muscles, and body design.

In biomechanics, we can compare how a gecko climbs a wall and how a swimmer moves through water.

Discussion & Reflection

Have students answer these questions after watching the episode.

1
If you could design a satellite, what would you want it to measure or photograph?
2
Which animal movement would you want to study—jumping, climbing, swimming, or flying—and why?