What causes an object to orbit another object instead of crashing into it?

High School | Daily Do

What causes an object to orbit another object instead of crashing into it?

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Sensemaking is actively trying to figure out how the world works (science) or how to design solutions to problems (engineering). Students do science and engineering through the science and engineering practices. Engaging in these practices necessitates that students be part of a learning community to be able to share ideas, evaluate competing ideas, give and receive critique, and reach consensus. Whether this community of learners is made up of classmates or family members, students and adults build and refine science and engineering knowledge together.

Lesson Snapshot

High school students, as scientists, use Earth and Space Science and Physics ideas to investigate the following driving question: What causes an object to orbit another object instead of crashing into it? Students explore the phenomenon of skateboarders attempting to complete a 360-degree loop. Students suspect that the skateboarder needs to be going fast enough to complete the loop, and they wonder if a similar principle applies to Dimorphos and other orbiting objects. Students decide to investigate their questions with a simulation. Finally, students participate in a consensus-building discussion about the interaction between the force of gravity acting on an object, its velocity, and its motion.

This is Lesson 2 of the Asteroid Orbits Unit.

Click the Download PDF button above for the complete Lesson Plan.

Materials

Student Materials

Per Student

ExGen HS Unit L2 Student Guide

Per Small Group (2 to 4 Students)

Computer or tablet to run the simulation

Teacher Materials

ExGen HS Unit L2 slides

Optional Teacher Resources