Objective – Describe the forces that keep objects in orbit in the Solar System.
Group Members _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Going Down, Anyone
(an activity from NASA Why Files – The Case of the Phenomenal Weather)
Materials




Ruler
12” of string
Two books of equal size
Paper clip
Procedures
1. Tie the paper clip to one end of the string.
2. Tie the other end of the string to the center of the ruler.
3. Stand the two books on a flat surface approximately 10” part.
4. Lay the ruler across the tops of the books as shown in the diagram.
5. Observe the position of the string and paper clip.
Objective – Describe the forces that keep objects in orbit in the Solar System.
6. Record in your observations on the worksheet.
7. Lift one end of the ruler about 10 cm above the top of the book.
8. Record you observations on the worksheet.
Going Down, Anyone – Worksheet
(an activity from NASA Why Files – The Case of the Phenomenal Weather)
1. Look at the paper clip. Which direction is it pointing? Explain why.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Explain what happened when you lifted on end of the ruler.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Look at the paper clip. Which direction is it pointing? Explain why.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________