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Lesson Planet
This The Great Gravity Escape activity also includes:
Groups simulate an orbit using a piece of string and a water balloon. Individuals spin in a circular path and calculate the balloon's velocity when the clothes pin can no longer hold onto the balloon.
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CCSS:
Designed
Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- For grade levels that know the circumference formula, modify the worksheet to have the pupils fill in that information
- Use different radii to determine if the escape velocity changes based upon the distance from the center
Classroom Considerations
- To perform the activity, you will need a large open area where it is okay if things get wet
- The ninth installment in a 13-part series
Pros
- The activity plan has assessments that occur before, during, and after the activity
- The introduction provides a good connection between the activity and the application of orbits in space exploration
Cons
- The activity is a close simulation, though it does not mimic the fact that as velocity increases, the size of the orbit gets larger