Orbital Motion and Gravity: Epic Classroom Mission

Storyline

After a data breach, the crew must apply its knowledge of orbital motion and gravity to find the Crooked Snakes before it's too late.

The Crooked Snakes have left behind a clue that lets the crew know where they can be found. However, while en route, the Infini-D is hacked by the Crooked Snakes and navigational data is lost. After intercepting some data from enemy ships, students must analyze the data and computer models to determine which solar system model is an accurate map that we can use to find the Crooked Snakes before they slip away again.

Est. time: 25 min.

Targeted Standards

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

The planets orbit the sun without being pulled into it and there are observable patterns in orbital motion of objects in space.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and using models

Students develop conceptual computer models to represent relationships between gravity and orbital motion of objects in the solar system and represent data patterns. Students use the selected solar system model as a map to manually navigate the ship to the Crooked Snakes' location.

Analyzing and interpreting data

Students analyze various types of data (chart, graph, computer simulations, etc.) in order to create valid interpretations and determine which solar system model is most accurate. Students evaluate the salvaged raw data and solar system models to identify the most accurate representation of the real-world scenario.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

Students identify patterns in the motion of celestial bodies by observing how different models show the relationships between mass, gravity, and orbital motion.

Systems and system models

Students use computer models to explain the parameters and relationships that describe complex systems like a solar system. Models are used to represent systems and the interactions between gravity, motion, mass, etc.

Cause and Effect

The mission highlights the consequences of operating based on inaccurate models and emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct model that aligns with data to avoid dangerous situations.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars

Patterns of the apparent motion of the sun, the moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models.

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

-The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.

Show of Force