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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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 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.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Space Science: Bill Nye: Orbiting Marbles
Created to teach students of the 21st century, SOPHIA is bringing outer space straight to your fingertips. Become the commander of your own learning experiences as you take part in this interactive experiment.
Bill Nye
Bill Nye: Orbiting Marbles
Try this at-home science experiment to learn how Earth's gravity pulls an object so that it's constantly changing direction.
NOAA
Noaa: Satellites in Orbit [Pdf]
Construct a model that helps to show how satellites stay in orbit around the Earth. Then see how a flashlight can help explain how a satellite can send messages to different locations.
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.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Why Doesn't the Moon Fall Down?
In this animated video segment adapted from NASA, astronomer Doris Daou explains how the forces of speed and gravity keep the moon in a constant orbit around Earth. [1:36]
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Newton's Cannon
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about orbits and how an object can stay in orbit under the influence of gravity. By adjusting launch velocities users will understand how to successfully put a virtual satellite into orbit without...
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: Energy Relationships for Satellites
The orbits of satellites are described and an energy analysis is performed. Kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy are explained and applied to the motion of satellites.
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....
Cornell University
Cornell University: Astronomy: Orbital Motion and Kepler's Laws
At this site from the Astronomy Department of Cornell University, Kepler's three laws of planetary motion are stated. There are brief explanations of each, along with links to additional information on related subjects.
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.
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...
Learn AP Physics
Learn Ap Physics: Physics B: Gravitation
A site dedicated to help students prepare for the AP Physics B test. This specific site reviews gravitation including Newton's Law of Gravity, orbits of planets and satellites, and Kepler's three laws. Site contains links to video...