Grade Level

High School

Topics

Physics

Authors

Nathan Sanders, Kristen L. Cacciatore

Lesson Summary

This lesson has students use their understanding of Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation and Third Law of Motion to characterize forces occurring in deep space while they learn about cutting-edge astronomy research on planetary winds.

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to: 

  • calculate gravitational forces using the Law of Universal Gravitation.
  • apply Newton’s third law to a novel astronomical context.
  • describe current research in astronomy on planetary winds.
  • describe techniques scientists use to learn about phenomena occurring in outer space.

Standards

Science and Engineering Practices:

SP2, SP5

MA Science and Technology/Engineering (2016):

HS-PS3-3

NGSS (2013):

HS-PS3-3

Common Core Math/Language Arts Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.1  

Tags

Newton's Laws, Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation, Newton’s third law of motion, atmospheric wind, escape velocity, exoplanet, gravity, planetary wind, stellar wind

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