HS-ESS1-4 | Orbital Motion and Gravity
Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on Newtonian gravitational laws governing orbital motions, which apply to human-made satellites as well as planets and moons.
Assessment boundary: Mathematical representations for the gravitational attraction of bodies and Kepler’s Laws of orbital motions should not deal with more than two bodies, nor involve calculus.
Assessment
What assessment of HS-ESS1-4 might look like on a NY state exam.
Performance Level Descriptions
PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.
Resources
Relevant reference tables: Solar System Objects Data Table
NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation HS-ESS1-4 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Using Mathematical and Computational Thinking
- Use mathematical or computational representations of phenomena to describe explanations.
- ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
- Kepler’s laws describe common features of the motions of orbiting objects, including their elliptical paths around the sun. Orbits may change due to the gravitational effects from, or collisions with, other objects in the solar system.
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Algebraic thinking is used to examine scientific data and predict the effect of a change in one variable on another (e.g., linear growth vs. exponential growth).
- Interdependence of Science, Technology, and Engineering
- Science and engineering complement each other in the cycle known as research and development (R&D). Many R&D projects may involve scientists, engineers, and others with wide ranges of expertise.