Planetary Orbits—Student Laboratory Kit

Product Details

Let students see for themselves the difference between a circle and the elliptical path a planet follows as it orbits the Sun. In this hands-on activity, students construct ellipses and then explore the shape of a planet’s orbit as they investigate Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. After analyzing the results of their investigation, students form an operational definition of an ellipse. Durable materials eliminate wobbly pins with hazardous sharp points. Kit includes complete instructions with reproducible student worksheets, detailed background information and valuable Teacher Notes.

Complete for 30 students working in groups of three.