Deep Space Communications

Next Gen STEM  5 5

Appendix A.—Rubric for 5E Instructional Model

5E Step Novice

(0)

Apprentice

(1)

Journeyperson

(2)

Expert

(3)

Level of 

student 

knowledge

(Score)

Engage

Student does not 

identify any prior 

knowledge or 

connections to previous 

learning experiences

Student identifies irrelevant 

or inaccurate prior 

knowledge or connections to 

previous learning 

experiences

Student identifies one 

example of relevant and 

accurate prior knowledge or 

connection to previous 

learning experience

Student identifies two or 

more examples of relevant 

and accurate prior 

knowledge or connections to 

previous learning 

experiences

Explore

Student does not 

participate in 

brainstorming 

discussion

Student participates in 

brainstorming discussion 

(asks questions, for 

example) but does not 

contribute possible 

hypotheses, solutions, or 

tests

Student contributes at least 

one possible hypothesis, 

solution, or test to 

brainstorming 

Student contributes at least 

one possible hypothesis, 

solution, or test to 

brainstorming and an 

alternative or improvement 

to another student’s idea

Explain

Student does not 

provide explanation of 

observations

Student provides an 

explanation of observations 

that is inaccurate, 

incomplete, or lacks 

evidence

Student provides an 

accurate, complete 

explanation of observations 

based on evidence

Student provides an 

accurate, complete 

explanation of observations 

based on evidence and 

supplements their reasoning 

with either evidence or 

evidence-based 

explanations from others

Elaborate

Student does not draw 

reasonable conclusions 

based on evidence

Student draws reasonable 

conclusions but does not 

utilize scientific terminology 

or evidence

Student draws reasonable 

conclusions utilizing 

scientific terminology and 

evidence

Student draws reasonable 

conclusions utilizing 

scientific terminology as well 

as evidence and can make 

reasonable predictions 

based on those conclusions

Evaluate 

Student does not 

demonstrate 

understanding of 

concept or can only 

repeat provided 

definitions

Student demonstrates an 

understanding of concept by 

providing definitions or 

explanations in their own 

words, drawings, models, 

etc.

Student demonstrates an 

understanding of concept by 

applying it to new questions 

or by analyzing new 

evidence

Student demonstrates an 

understanding of concept by 

explaining how evidence 

caused their knowledge to 

progress over time or by 

proposing new ways to use 

their new knowledge (such 

as followup experiments)

Total
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Next Gen STEM  5 7 

Appendix B.—Glossary of Key Terms

Absorption. To soak something in, like water into a sponge; in the context of this guide, absorption occurs when photons from light 

hit atoms or molecules, which converts the light energy into vibrations 

Abstraction. In computer science, a representation of data that focuses on the important details 

Algorithm. Step-by-step process

Antenna. A structure that receives or sends electromagnetic waves such as radio waves; found on many space communications 

systems, from ground stations to satellites

Artemis. NASA’s mission to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024

Binary notation. Number system with the base of 2, which are the kinds of numbers most commonly used by computers. Digits 

can be 0 or 1. The binary notation of nineteen is 10011. 

Bit. A single binary digit

Byte. A contiguous sequence of eight bits

Cipher. A coded message

Communications. The exchange of information from one place or person to another

Data. A collection of information, such as facts, numbers, measurements, photos, or observations

Decimal notation. Number system with the base of 10, which are the kinds of numbers most commonly used by people. Digits can 

be 0 through 9. The decimal notation of nineteen is 19. 

Degraded. Reduced in quality; in communications, analog or digital signals can become degraded

Delay. A period of time by which an analog or digital signal is late or postponed

Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN). A computer networking model and a system of rules for transmitting information 

(referred to as a protocol suite) that extends internet capabilities into the challenging communication environments in space, 

where the conventional internet does not work well

Deliver. Successfully send an analog or digital signal to a destination

Graph. A visual representation of a network of nodes in computer science

Ground station. A surface-based facility designed to provide real-time communication with satellites by sending and receiving radio 

signals

Hexadecimal notation. Number system with the base of 16 that uses numerals 0 through 9 and represents digits greater than 9, 

with letters A through F representing 10 through 15. Hexadecimal notation is commonly used by advanced computers. The 

hexadecimal notation of nineteen is 13. 

Minimum spanning tree. A graph where every node is connected to the graph in the most efficient way

Navigation. A determination of current position in planning and following a route

Nybble. Four bits grouped together

Packetizing. Breaking up data into smaller segments (packets) for transmission across a network

Protocol. A procedure for carrying out the exchange or transmission or data

Receiver. Person or device that receives waves, electrical signals, or the like from the transmitter
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58  Next Gen STEM

Satellite. A spacecraft that orbits the Earth, the Moon, or another celestial body; satellites use radio signals to communicate with 

ground stations on Earth and with rovers on the Moon and Mars

SCaN. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program; SCaN has antennas around the world and satellites in 

space to help guide spacecraft and exchange important information with all NASA spaceflight missions 

Signal. A radio wave that has been modulated to carry information; in the context of this guide, a signal is communication with a 

spacecraft over a distance

Transmission. The sending and receiving of information by radio waves in space

Transmitter. The person or device sending a message or data