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.
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: 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...
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 Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Kinetic Energy of a Satellite
Students must determine the kinetic energy of a satellite as it orbits around a planet.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Jolly Gas Giant Problem
Students must calculate the mass of a planet based on the orbital motion of the moon going around the planet.
Physics Aviary
Physics Aviary: Practice Problems: Finding Speed of a Satellite
Students must determine speed of a satellite by timing the satellite for part of its orbit. Students must also determine the period of the orbit based on their timing.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Orbital Motion Interactive
This simulation of a satellite's elliptical motion around a central body allows students to alter the eccentricity of the orbit while learning about velocity and force vectors.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Satellite Motion Math
In this interactive physics tutorial, students explore the variety of mathematical equations that describe the motion of satellites.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Circular and Satellite Motion: Energy in Satellites
Through interactive practice problems and illustrated examples, students explore energy relationships for satellites.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: N rn.a.2: Kepler's Third Law of Motion
The purpose of this task is to solve some expressions requiring fractional exponents in the modeling context of planetary motion. Aligns with N-RN.A.2.
Read Works
Read Works: Explore Our Solar System
[Free Registration/Login Required] This informational text passage shares facts about planets in the solar system. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and establishes...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Orbital Motion
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Orbital motion and why it occurs, and the orbits of the Earth around the sun and the moon around the Earth.
E-learning for Kids
E Learning for Kids: Egypt: How Do the Sun, Moon and Earth Revolve Around Each Other?
Omar helps his parents sell things at the market. Join him while he learns about the relationship of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
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.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Our Restless Planet
This unit will use demonstrations and student examples to help students gain an understanding of rotation, revolution, and orbit. Through hands-on activities students will explore the concepts of day and night. Technology will be...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Kinesthetic Astronomy: Earth's Rotation
This kinesthetic activity will demonstrate concepts like rotation and orbit, clarify movement and direction, and help students understand why earthlings see different things in the sky.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Stargazing for Satellites
Did you know you can see many satellites with the naked eye? Try this activity and find out for yourself!
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Solar Orbit
A table listing the average radius of orbit for the nine planets about the sun; expressed in astronomical units. Data can be used to calculate the orbital speed or the orbital period.
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.
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)...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Spin a Spiral Galaxy
This interactive activity from NOVA Online lets you spin a spiral galaxy, including our own Milky Way. It demonstrates that what you can learn from visible light observations of a galaxy is largely determined by the angle from which you...
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...
American Association of Physics Teachers
Com Padre Digital Library: Open Source Physics: Schwarzschild Light Launch Angle
Visualization that uses the Schwarzschild metric, showing the path light travels near a black hole depending on the angle of its initial launch.