Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system Video Lesson

About This Video

Curriculum-aligned Grade 8 Science lesson video for Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. Use it for classroom preview, instruction support, or home review.

This watch page is dedicated to the video. For the complete text lesson plan, activities, standards alignment, and answer guides, use the companion lesson page: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system lesson plan.

Video Learning Notes

Gravity is the fundamental force that holds together the solar system and galaxies, controlling the motions of planets, moons, stars, and other celestial objects. By developing and using models, students learn how gravity causes objects to move in orbits rather than flying away or crashing. Understanding gravity's role helps explain the structure and behavior of space systems and reflects how scientists use models to study phenomena that are too large or distant to observe directly.

Learning Goals

• Describe how gravity acts as the force that holds together the solar system and the Milky Way galaxy.
• Develop and use physical or conceptual models to represent the motions of objects within galaxies and the solar system due to gravity.
• Explain how gravity controls the orbital motions of planets, moons, asteroids, and stars within galaxies and the solar system.
• Use evidence and scientific reasoning to justify claims about the role of gravity in space systems.
• Revise models or explanations based on analysis and feedback to improve understanding of gravitational effects.

Curriculum Context

Grade: Grade 8

Subject: Science

Curriculum: NGSS