Gravity and Orbits Virtual Lab

Students use PhET Sim to explore gravity and orbits in an inquiry based gravity and orbits virtual lab.

Check out the Sim here::

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-and-orbits/latest/gravity-and-orbits_en.html

This gravity and orbits virtual lab asks the question: How do gravity, mass, and distance affect movement in our Earth-Sun-Moon system?

Using the interactive simulation, students experiment by changing variables to create different scenarios. They will then report their observations and draw conclusions. To conclude, students will complete 3 short CER style questions.

Who is this gravity and orbits virtual lab resource for?

This resource can be used by classroom teachers, tutors, and parents of students in grades 6-9. It is ideal for classrooms with 1:1 devices and internet access.

How Can I Use this Resource?

• Emergency Sub Plans
• An independent work station in a set of stations
• Flipped Classroom pre-reading
• Whole or small group opportunity to model and teach Close Reading strategies and annotation
• Differentiation – Assign this webquest as reteaching for students who have yet to show mastery.
• Homework
• Creation of Independent Work Packet for students who are not able to be present for direct instruction.
• Extension activity for early finishers or for students who show a special interest in the topic
• Use as a square on a Choice Board
• Interactive Notebooks: Print 2 pages in one and cut apart. Glue mini pages into notebooks with room for annotations on the side
• Interactive Notebooks: Print entire PDF as a mini booklet and add to notebooks using thesesimple instructions.

What’s Included?

Purchase includes a printable PDF file in color. On page 2 of this resource you will find a link to a student friendly Google Slide version of this file. You will be able to copy this file and use it with Google Classroom or any other paperless initiative.

Please take a look at the preview file to see more of this resource.

More questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email me at laneyleeteaches@gmail.com.

NGSS STANDARDS COVERED BY THIS GRAVITY AND ORBITS VIRTUAL LAB :