Gravity and Orbitals

Learning Objectives- Students will be able to:

• Draw motion of planets, Moons and satellites.

• Draw diagrams to show how gravity is the force that controls the motion of our solar system.

• Identify the variables that affect the strength of the gravity.

• Predict how motion would change if gravity was stronger or weaker.

Part 1: Understanding motion Open the Gravity and Orbits simulation. Take 5 minutes to explore how the Earth, Moon, and the Space Station move. Talk about what you find with your partner and share what controls you have found with your team.

Return to your pictures in Questions 2 and add arrows to show the force of gravity. Label them with “Gravity Force”.