Curated OER
Reading Comprehension: Is Pluto a Planet?
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read a passage about Pluto, then complete a set of 5 multiple choice questions. An answer key is included as well as a reference web site for additional activities.
Curated OER
Solar System: Let's Take a Trip
Third graders consider outer space. In this introductory solar system lesson, 3rd graders complete a KWL chart and listen to the story The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen. They will contribute...
Curated OER
Kepler's Second Law
Students gain an understanding of Kepler's 2nd law--that planets (and satellites) move fastest at their closest approach to the center of attraction, and slow down when far away. They explore the concepts of "potential energy" and...
Curated OER
Falling
Students should describe the path that the motion would take as well as what might begin or stop the motion. The common characteristic of all the motions that students have experienced directly is that one or more forces are acting on...
Curated OER
Forces And Energy
Students investigate the atom and how it is formed. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then construct a model of the atom. Then students have class discussion. The instructional activity includes background...
Curated OER
Colonizing the Stars
Middle schoolers compare and contrast the size, composition and surface features of the nine planets of our solar system with the possible sizes and compositions of extra -solar planets.
Curated OER
Out of This World
Students take a mission to Mars. In this space science lesson, students listen a lecture about space travel to Mars and the planet itself. Students then create timelines of exploration and write poetry about their ideal planet.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity and Orbits
An interactive simulation that teaches about gravitational force, circular motion, and astronomy by manipulating the sun, earth, moon, and a space station to observe the effects of gravity and orbital paths. This simulation can either be...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Gravity and Orbits
Move the sun, earth, moon, and space station to see how it affects their gravitational forces and orbital paths. Visualize the sizes and distances between different heavenly bodies, and turn off gravity to see what would happen without it.
NASA
Nasa: The Space Place: Orbits 'R' Us
Learn about how Earth orbits the sun and how satellites orbit the Earth. Discover the different types of satellites such as GOES and POES and what they are used to monitor.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Great Gravity Escape
Middle schoolers use water balloons and a length of string to understand how gravity and the velocity of a spacecraft balance to form an orbit. They see that when the velocity becomes too great for gravity to hold onto an object, the...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbits
An equation for the law of universal gravitation is stated. The weight equation (W=m*g) is related to the law. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to practice determining the force of gravity and the acceleration of gravity...
Science Museum, London
Making the Modern World: Gravity
The learning module helps students gain a deeper understanding of gravity. Some topics explored are orbits, the mission to the Moon, and the first space walk. Activities and videos are included.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbit Velocity
A discussion and statement of an equation for orbital speed. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to investigate the relationship between orbital height and orbital speed. A very good opportunity to practice and receive...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Earth Science: Gravity
Do you know how gravity affects you? This module defines gravity and explains how gravity affects the motion of objects.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Projectile and Satellite Orbits
This activity introduces gravity and Kepler's Laws and helps to develop an understanding of gravitational force, satellite orbits, and their dependence on the initial velocity.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Space Science: Bill Nye: Orbiting Marbles
Created to teach students of the 21st century, SOPHIA is bringing outer space straight to your fingertips. Become the commander of your own learning experiences as you take part in this interactive experiment.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Orbiting Marbles
Try this at-home science experiment to learn how Earth's gravity pulls an object so that it's constantly changing direction.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Satellite Motion
An animation depicting the path of projectiles launched at various launch speeds from the fictional Newton's Mountain. Accompanying text discusses satellite motion and the requirements of orbital motion. Links to further information is...
NOAA
Noaa: Satellites in Orbit [Pdf]
Construct a model that helps to show how satellites stay in orbit around the Earth. Then see how a flashlight can help explain how a satellite can send messages to different locations.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Weightlessness in Orbit
Through illustrated examples and practice problems, this interactive physics tutorial helps students clear up their possible misconceptions about weightlessness.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Newton's Cannon
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about orbits and how an object can stay in orbit under the influence of gravity. By adjusting launch velocities users will understand how to successfully put a virtual satellite into orbit without...
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Orbits and Gravitation
A page describing the physics, mathematics, and historical figures associated with planetary motion, satellite motion, and universal gravitation.