SC15.ESS.4

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Earth and Space Science

SC15.ESS.4
Apply mathematics and computational thinking in reference to Kepler’s laws, Newton’s laws of motion, and Newton’s gravitational laws to predict the orbital motion of natural and man-made objects in the solar system.

Unpacked Content

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

Knowledge

Students know:

Common features of the motions of orbiting objects, including their elliptical paths around the sun are described using Kepler's laws.
Orbits may change due to the gravitational effects from, or collisions with, other objects in the solar system.

Skills

Students are able to:

Use algebraic thinking (no use of calculus is necessary) to example scientific data and predict the effect of a change in one variable on another.
Use mathematical or computational representations to describe explanations.

Understanding

Students understand that:

Relevant components in a mathematical or computational representation of orbital motion may be used to depict Kepler's laws, Newton's laws of motion, and Newton's gravitational laws.

Vocabulary

Orbital period
Ellipse
Focal point
Semi-major axis
Eccentricity
Gravitation
Force
Weight
Mass

Design by Adaptive Theme