Lesson Plan: P2.6.03

Hamble Lesson Observation Plan
Learning About
What are satellites?
Keywords:
  • Orbit: the regularly repeated elliptical course of a celestial object or spacecraft about a star or planet. (1)
  • Velocity: velocity is a vector quantity; it is direction-aware. (1)
  • Gravity: An attraction between matter that is able to keep large masses like moons and planets in orbit. (1)
  • Satellites: A satellite is an object that orbits a larger object in space. (1)
Memory Anchor:
Method Precise Learning Objective Linked Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out)		 Stepping Stones Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map)
Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites

(Physics only) Gravity provides the force that allows planets and satellites (both natural and artificial) to maintain their circular orbits. (Physics only) What allows the planets and satellites to maintain their circular orbits?
Students should be able to describe the similarities and distinctions between the planets, their moons, and artificial satellites.

(Physics only) (HT only) Students should be able to explain qualitatively how for circular orbits, the force of gravity can lead to changing velocity but unchanged speed (Physics only) (HT only) What effect does gravity have on circular orbits?
(Physics only) (HT only) Students should be able to explain qualitatively how for a stable orbit, the radius must change if the speed changes. (Physics only) (HT only) What must happen to the radius of an orbit if the speed increases?
Links To the Big Ideas
ForcesParticlesEnergyCells