Curated OER
Astronomy
In this astronomy instructional activity, students read a detailed text about our solar system. Students then answer 15 questions about the information presented.
Curated OER
Mixed Prepositions
In this interactive prepositions worksheet, students practice using prepositions in sentences. Students choose the correct preposition for each blank in the passage. There are fifteen in all.
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension: Is Pluto a Planet?
In this reading comprehension learning exercise, 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
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...
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.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Great Gravity Escape
Students 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 object...
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...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Uniform Circular Motion and Gravitation: Centripetal Forces
By the end of this section, you will be able to calculate coefficient of friction on a car tire and to calculate ideal speed and angle of a car on a turn.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: The Inverse Square Law
Through illustrated examples and interactive practice, students explore Newton's ability to relate the cause for heavenly motion (the orbit of the moon about the earth) to the cause for Earthly motion (the falling of an apple to the...
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....
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.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Energy in Satellites
Through interactive practice problems and illustrated examples, students explore energy relationships for satellites.
Project Britain
Primary Homework Help: Earth and Space Quiz
This resource provides information about Earth and space. In addition, there is a quiz provided.
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...
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.
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...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Momentum and Collisions: The Astronaut Catch
Students imagine that they are hovering next to the space shuttle in earth-orbit, and bump into another astronaut of equal mass. If the two astronauts holds onto each other, then how fast do they move after the collision?