Gravity and Orbits PhET Simulation
- PDF
- Google Apps™
What educators are saying
Also included in
The unit starts with an introduction to gravity and the factors that affect the force. The unit’s main focus is on the relationship between gravity and the planets’ orbits around the sun. There are a combination of hands on activities, guided notes, and review in the lesson sequence. What's IncludedPrice $19.80Original Price $24.75Save $4.95
This bundle focuses on the middle school NGSS Earth and Space science standards related to Earth’s place in the universe. The unit begins with an introduction to gravity and the factors that affect the force of gravity. The unit’s main focus is on the relationship between gravity and the planets’ orPrice $29.40Original Price $42.00Save $12.60
Get this year long comprehensive Middle School Earth Science Bundle, designed for teachers looking for effective resources to teach weather, climate, plate tectonics, space science and more! This bundle is perfect for the entire school year, providing a diverse range of activities and experiments tPrice $181.30Original Price $259.00Save $77.70
Teaching is hard! Make things easier with this bundle that has everything you need for the full year. This year long bundle includes everything you need to teach a middle school level course that meets the NGSS 8th Grade integrated standards for California. This bundle contains a variety of engagiPrice $185.00Original Price $252.50Save $67.50
Teaching is hard! Make things easier with this complete year long curriculum that has everything you need to teach a full year of physical science . This year long bundle includes everything you need to teach a middle school level course that meets the NGSS physical science standards for. This bundlPrice $179.20Original Price $256.00Save $76.80
Description
Students use a PhET computer simulation of the Earth and Sun orbit to see how different variables affect the orbit and the force of gravity between the two objects.
In this computer model, students change variables (mass and distance) of the Earth and Sun to see how they affect the force of gravity and the orbit of the Earth. In the first part of the activity, students observe the Earth’s orbit around the sun under ”normal” conditions. In part 2, students look at the relationship between mass and the force of gravity and how that affects the Earth’s orbit around the sun. In part 3, the students investigate the relationship between distance from the sun and the force of gravity and how that affects Earth’s orbit.
NGSS Alignment:
MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
MS-PS2-4. Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
This activity can be printed and used in class or use a link to make a copy of a digital google doc to complete it electronically.
Looking for other Resources about Gravity and Orbits?
