6th Grade Science Guide

6.1.2/3: Solar System 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 2

LESSON RESOURCES

Phenomena: Celestial objects revolve around the sun in elliptical orbits in the solar system.

Objective

Overview

Materials

●​ I can develop a model to describe the role of inertia and gravity in orbital motions of objects in our solar system.

●​ Have students watch the video of planets orbiting the sun. Ask students to write down observations as they are viewing the

●​ Video of planets orbiting ●​ CER resources

video, and share the observations with the class. Ask students to complete the following prompt: I think planets rotate around the sun because ____.

Activity: Gravity

Objective

Overview

Materials

●​ I can develop a model to describe the role of inertia and gravity in orbital motions of objects in our solar system.

●​ Students drop several

●​ Gravity Lab

different types of objects, and write down observations as they fall.

Activity: Gravity & Inertia

Objective

Overview

Materials

●​ Students build a model using a string, washers, and a spool/or straw to show how inertia impacts planetary motion. Students view different variables, such as mass, or distance from an object on planetary motion. ●​ Students then read about orbital motion.

●​ Planetary Inertia Inquiry Activity ●​ Washers ●​ String ●​ Straws/Thread Spools ●​ Textbook reading ●​ Summarizing Informational Text Worksheet

●​ I can develop a model to describe the role of inertia and gravity in orbital motions of objects in our solar system.