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...
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....
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Astronomy
Eight hands-on lessons module in which students explore the characteristics of planet Earth, its moons, the sun, the solar system, planets, and the difference between science fact and science fiction.
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Second Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...
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...
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.
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...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Paper Mache Solar System
This site from the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a set of directions for the creation of a solar system model out of paper mache. Includes orbital distances and planet diameters for the nine planets. Great idea for a student...
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Third Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's third law of motion and extends it to develop an equation for the velocity of an orbiting planet.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Second Law
Kepler's second law of planetary motion is stated and explained. An animation of the orbit of a planet and an accompanying graphic assists in explaining the meaning of the law of equal areas.
Utah Education Network
Uen: My Solar System
Students will use a simulation to build their own solar system discovering the relationship between gravity and motion that keeps a planet in orbit.
NASA
Nasa: Magellan Mission to Venus
This home page from NASA offers Venus images taken by Magellan and other highlights from the mission. In orbit around Venus for four years this mission provided maps of 98 percent of the surface of Venus that are more detailed than most...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Mathematics of Satellite Motion
The mathematics associated with the motion of satellites is described. Equations (for period, velocity, acceleration and force) are stated, symbols described, and sample problems solved. Includes five practice problems with solutions and...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Three Laws
The three laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler are stated and elaborated upon. Useful graphics and an easy-to-understand language are used to explain the nature of planetary motion. Both conceptual and mathematical. Includes a...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Kepler's Laws
An outstanding page describing Kepler's three laws of planetary motion.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Neptune
A wealth of facts await you on this complete site. Topics include size, mass and gravity, length of day, orbit, distance from the sun, and more. A coloring page, quiz, fill-in-the-blanks activity, and interactive puzzle will challenge...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Solar System!
An introduction to our solar system: the planets, our Sun and our Moon. Students begin by learning the history and engineering of space travel. They make simple rockets to acquire a basic understanding Newton's third law of motion. They...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Jupiter
This thorough site presents a wealth of facts about the fifth largest planet. Topics you will find discussed include size, mass and gravity, length of day, orbit, moons, and more. Various Jupiter activities are found on this site such as...