Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Kepler's Three Laws
Through interactive practice problems and examples, students explore Kepler's Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
In this online lesson students will learn the impacts of the scientific contributions of a variety of historical and contemporary scientists on scientific thought and society.[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Astronomy: Orbital Motion and Kepler's Laws
At this site from the Astronomy Department of Cornell University, Kepler's three laws of planetary motion are stated. There are brief explanations of each, along with links to additional information on related subjects.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: The Studies of Kepler
Biographical information of the early life of Kepler is provided as well as a somewhat detailed look at the highs and lows of his work in studying planetary motion.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Kepler's Laws
An outstanding page describing Kepler's three laws of planetary motion.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Principles for Satellites
Students explore how a satellite's motion is governed by the same physics principles and described by the same mathematical equations.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Mathematics of Satellite Motion
The mathematics associated with the motion of satellites is described. Equations (for period, velocity, acceleration and force) are stated, symbols described, and sample problems solved. Includes five practice problems with solutions and...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: The Apple, the Moon, and the Inverse Square Law
Describes the logic behind the development of Newton's law of universal gravitation. Beginning with Johannes Kepler and his three laws of planetary motion, content walks the reader through Newton's thought process and development of this...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Satellites and Kepler's Laws: An Argument for Simplicity
In the following interactive students will begin to understand the laws of Kepler regarding planetary motion and derive the third law of Kepler for circular orbits. They will also discuss the Ptolemaic model of the universe.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Three Laws
The three laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler are stated and elaborated upon. Useful graphics and an easy-to-understand language are used to explain the nature of planetary motion. Both conceptual and mathematical. Includes a...
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Kepler System Model
This site from Open Source Physics offers a file with a simulation of Kepler's theory of planetary motion, tested with the Earth rotating around the sun and another planet of the user's choosing. The download requires Java.
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.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics: Gravitation Study Guide
This study guide on gravitation covers some key vocabulary, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion, and orbiting bodies or satellites. Includes important equations. It is available for download with free registration.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Orbits of Planets and Satellites
Students explore orbits of planets and satellites. Some topics examined in the activities are planetary motion, angular momentum of orbits, and Kepler's laws. The resource consists of video clips, lecture notes, practice problems, and...
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Second Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Second Law
Kepler's second law of planetary motion is stated and explained. An animation of the orbit of a planet and an accompanying graphic assists in explaining the meaning of the law of equal areas.
NASA
Nasa: Kepler and His Laws
This site from NASA provides biographical details about the lives of Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. Discusses Kepler's successes at developing laws of planeatry motion. States the three laws and discusses each one individually....
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Finding Mass of a Planet
Students must determine mass of a planet based on the orbital motion of a satellite around the planet.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Ap Physics 1: Gravity
Combined with aspects of circular motion, students discover that Kepler's third law follows directly from the law of universal gravitation. This unit will expand upon the conservation of energy principle for problems beyond the confines...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: The Planets
This survey of the planets includes all the basics, size, mass, atmosphere, length of day, and the like. It features interactive activities and learning exercises and compares all of the planets in colorful tables.
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Third Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's third law of motion and extends it to develop an equation for the velocity of an orbiting planet.
Other
Usra: Lunar and Planetary Institute: Hot Spot Activity [Pdf]
In this lesson, students will measure the distances between Hawaiian islands, and convert and graph their data to determine the speed of the Pacific Plate.
Curated OER
Cornell University: Orbital Motion and Kepler's Laws
At this site from Cornell University, Kepler's three laws of planetary motion are stated. There are brief explanations of each. The laws are applied to explain the features of planetary orbits as well as the motion of binary star...