SPACETRC / DISCOVERY QUESTS
Five questions. A connected discovery.
Open a model, investigate the relationship and check a short numerical example. Your progress stays in this browser; it is a learning record, not a qualification.
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Light on the move
Open the scale journey ↗In vacuum light travels at 299,792,458 m/s. For this task the distance is exactly 299,792,458 m. How many seconds does the trip take?
Reasoning and self-check
t = d / c = 1 s.
Explain the relationship in your own words before continuing.
An energy budget
Open mission control ↗A device drawing 60 W operates for 10 minutes. How much energy does this ideal example consume in Wh?
Reasoning and self-check
E = P × t = 60 × (10/60) = 10 Wh.
Explain the relationship in your own words before continuing.
Same mass, different weight
Open universe rules ↗For this task use the model’s rounded Earth value g = 9.80 m/s². What is the weight in newtons of a 6 kg mass?
Reasoning and self-check
W = m × g = 6 × 9.8 = 58.8 N.
Explain the relationship in your own words before continuing.
A transit signature
Open exoplanet detective ↗Assume a uniformly bright stellar disc and a central transit. If the planet/star radius ratio is 0.1, what is the percentage drop in light?
Reasoning and self-check
δ = (Rₚ/R★)² = 0.01 = 1%.
Explain the relationship in your own words before continuing.
Either side of the horizon
Open my sky ↗A star has altitude −10° relative to the geometric horizon. How many degrees below the horizon is it? Enter a positive number.
Reasoning and self-check
|−10°| = 10°.
Explain the relationship in your own words before continuing.
Your next investigation
A correct example is a starting point. Change one input, predict the result and explain whether the model supports the prediction. Record a counterexample or a boundary where the model no longer applies.
Use a research worksheet ↗Original SpaceTRC learning activities · Editorial review: 24 October 2026. Institutional source links are for further reading and do not imply endorsement.