Space scientists use water displacement to determine the mass of a cubic centimeter mini meteorite, and then use it as a small-scale representative of an asteroid. They figure out the orbital velocity of an asteroid. Then they use a...

Eighth graders define orbit, rotation and revolution. They demonstrate the orbit, rotation and revolution of the Earth. Students identify the types of measurements and the instruments that used for orbit, rotation and revolution. They...

Students examine the path a satellite follows as it orbits the earth. In this space science lesson plan, students use a globe as they illustrate a satellite in its orbital plane, then plot points on the satellite's path on the globe to...

Students define and identify planetary orbit, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, and simulate Kepler's Second Law. They explore interactive websites demonstrating orbital motion and complete modeling activities.

In this ion rocket and orbits worksheet, students read about the spiral orbit the Dawn spacecraft took due to its ion rocket motor. Students solve 3 problems including finding the path taken by the spacecraft, determining the total path...

In this drawing orbital diagrams worksheet, 6th graders draw the electron configuration and orbital based on sublevels for given atoms. Students draw 8 orbital diagrams.

In this ISS-Orbit worksheet, students read about the International Space Station and determine the altitude of the station on April 2009 given the re-boosting necessary to prevent the Space Station from burning up in the atmosphere.

Young scholars discuss the solar system, the planets, periods of orbit and revolution.  In this space lesson students discuss the importance of the study of Mars and brainstorm ideas on how NASA might solve its Rover design...

A huge collection of slides introduces chemistry learners to the periodic table of elements, electron configuration, and electronegativity. It opens with the history of today's periodic table, and then details the arrangement. After...

Your class will watch as one child orbits the sun as Earth, while another orbits as Mars. If the timing is right, they will see the repetitive dance between the two planets and discover how often they are opposite from each other. For...

Math and science come together in this cross-curricular astronomy lesson plan on planetary motion. Starting off with a hands-on activity that engages the class in exploring the geometry of circles and ellipses, this lesson...

Kepler decided to think outside the box and discovered that planets orbit in elliptical patterns. An engaging activity demonstrates the elliptical orbit pattern in relationship to the area of a planet to explain Kepler's Second Law....

Elements don't have fingers, but they have fingerprints! An interactive simulation gives young scientists the opportunity to study orbital changes of an atom and the corresponding spectrum reading. They realize how each atom has a...

Calculate the speed of the International Space Station. By reading the article, pupils learn about the concept of orbits. Scholars work through a formula to determine how fast the International Space Station is traveling to stay in...

Twelfth graders examine the misconceptions of Newton's laws of motion.  In this motion and gravity activity students interpret data and see the effects of gravity. 

What do Newton's Laws have to do with getting from Earth to Mars?The activities in this resource show how Newton's Laws work with rockets to get them into space. Background information includes facts about orbits and how orbits...

A set of instructions that help learners draw concentric orbital arcs to scale of each planet.  There is a table to complete with data and questions to check understanding of realistic orbits and relative sizes.

Seven problems send physics stars out of this world! Challenge learners to calculate centripetal force, time to complete revolutions, circular speed, and acceleration. They also are asked to explain scenarios and draw a force diagram for...

Leading the learners to draw a representation of ellipses of planets, this handout will help understanding the planet movement around the sun.  There are ten questions about the analysis of those orbits and a conclusino specifically...

Rarely do you find resources that reach high school astronomy learners. Here is something at their level! The physics of flyby missions is explained via several examples. Landing, penetrating, and roving spacecraft are examined. Diagrams...

After reading a short excerpt about Mercury, your class will answer four comprehension questions. The worksheet challenges them to fold over the paper and answer the questions without referring back to the excerpt. An answer sheet is...

Students use a formula to measure the eccentricity of an ellipse, then state Kepler's Law of Elliptical Orbits. They predict the solar energy received at different positions in a planet's orbit.

Students compare and contrast ellipses of various eccentricities that represent the shape of planetary orbits. They make a circle with the string by trying the two ends togther. Students calculate the eccentricity of their ellipses by...

In this isotopes, molecular notation, and electron orbits worksheet, students read selections pertaining to isotopes, mass number, molecular notation, electric attraction, and electron orbits. In addition, students complete 11 short...