Curated OER
Georgia State University: Gravitational Potential Energy
This site from Georgia State University Physics Department defines and explains the concept of gravitational potential energy. Uses many equations and graphics to illustrate the idea. Provides an online computational practice set with...
Other
University of Leicester: Irregular Galaxies
Provides a general overview of irregular galaxies, including a specific look at type I and type II irregulars.
Other
University of Leicester: Comets
A detailed look at comets. Content outlines our observational history, as well as the origins of comets and an explanation of the appearance of comets.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Pendulum Lab
Manipulate the mass of a weight and the length of string in this interactive pendulum simulation. Change the speed, friction, and gravity to make the pendulum swing change as measurements are displayed on the screen. Younger students can...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: How Do Things Fall?
Learners learn more about forces by examining the force of gravitational attraction. They observe how objects fall and measure the force of gravitational attraction upon objects.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Masses & Springs
Hang various mass weights on spring scales while you adjust the spring stiffness and damping in this online activity. Slow down the action, take it to another planet, or watch the amount of potential, thermal, and kinetic energy.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Energy Skate Park
Explore kinetic, potential, and thermal energy as you send a skateboarder along several pre-built tracks, then design your own. Charts and graphs show the distribution of the different forms of energy, illustrating how the total energy...
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: The Nonmechanical Universe
Students learn about the fields of force and gravity in this illustrated article.
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: Mechanics Problems: Force and Linear Kinematics Problem
This University of Minnesota site provides a series of contextually rich problems pertaining to force, Newton's second law of motion, and linear kinematics.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Maths and Sports: Light Weights
Could the location of the Olympic host city have an effect on weightlifting events? This activity provides an interesting context in which to engage with weight, mass and gravitation, and is aimed at A-level students (grades 10, 11, and...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: A Brief History of Astronomy
In this interactive module students will explore what different ancient cultures believe was an explanation of the stars and planets. They will look at how the work of Nicolas Copernicus revolutionize the world of astronomy and learn how...
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: Black Holes
Learn what black holes are and the myths that surround them.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Newton's Law of Gravity
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Newton's law of universal gravitation and factors that affect the strength of gravity between two objects.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Math Behind Michael Jordan's Legendary Hang Time
Learn the affect of gravitational acceleration by calculating what Michael Jordan's hang time would be if he played basketball elsewhere in the universe.
University of Utah
University of Utah: Dept. Of Mathematics: Physics of Skiing
Do you like to ski? If you do, do you ski for the physical sport of it? This resource turns the attention to the mathematical side of the winter sport.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Courses: Physics: Classical Mechanics
College-level online course highlighting the study of classical mechanics. This course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, and kinetic gas theory. Course features include a 35 video lecture series by Walter Lewin. Also link...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: That's My Theory!
Become a game show contestant in this online activity from A Science Odyssey and ask a series of questions to a panel of mystery scientists, using the answers to determine which scientist is Einstein.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How to Think About Gravity
Video describes what gravity is and how it operates between two masses. Followed by a short quiz and a list of additional resources to explore. [4:44]
Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Mechanics: Gravity: Newtonian Relationships
Explanation of how astronomers and scientist developed the current theories of gravity.
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Gravity
Peruse this resource to learn about gravity, its importance, the Universal Law of Gravitation, the difference between mass and weight, and more fun facts.
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 Struck
Science Struck: The Accomplishments of Isaac Newton
Read about the life of Isaac Newton and his many accomplishments in physics, mathematics, optics, and religious study, and how his discoveries helped in space research.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Isaac Newton (1643 1727)
This life of Isaac Newton' traces his life from birth through childhood to his rise as a renown scientist and mathematician.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: The Black Hole
This site examines the black hole as an object in astrophysics. Delve into this comprehensive resource that covers this concept from its history, to qualitative physics, the reality of black holes, mathematical physics and more.