Discover the transition from circular orbit theories to elliptical orbits. An episode of a video series on astronomy models the different elliptical shapes of the orbits of the planets in the solar systems. Using string, the presenter describes the role of the foci in the elliptical shape.

Concepts

kepler's laws, ellipses, orbiting

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a guided notes document for pupils to complete as they view the lesson
• Build a flip book to record notes on Kepler's Laws of Motion

Classroom Considerations

• Expects a basic understanding of ellipses and their features

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Highlights the history of solar system models
• Explains the mathematics related to elliptical orbits

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.8.2 SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.6-8.7 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.7