
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


ASK
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


IMAGINE
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

CAREER CONNECTION
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