How does the Earth stay in orbit?

Gravity interactive visualization: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/gravity-and-orbits/latest/gravity-and-orbits_en.html

Why do the planets go around the sun? (NASA): http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/review/dr-marc-solar-system/planet-orbits.html

What would happen if the planets failed to rotate in a circular motion around the sun? What if the planets continued to rotate but lost their gravitational pull?

How gravity works: http://www.stufftoblowyourmind.com/videos/51310-stuff-to-blow-your-kids-mind-gravity-video.htm

What is microgravity? https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-microgravity-58.html

STEM Career: Aerospace Engineer

Aircraft and spacecraft—and the propulsion systems that fuel them—are the domains of aerospace engineers. These engineers formulate mathematical models, analyze them with computers, build prototypes, and plan and conduct environmental, operational, and stress tests.

Tools of the Trade

Computational software; aerodynamics techniques

Education Required

A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering; advanced degrees often needed