An orbit is continuous free fall around a world or star.
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LIVE VISUAL LAB
MASS
Gravity bends forward motion into an orbit.
Interactive teaching model • relationships are controlled; scale, distance or timing may be simplified and are labeled here.
The big idea
An orbit is continuous free fall around a world or star.
Enough sideways speed makes the falling path curve around the body rather than strike it.
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HOW SCIENTISTS KNOW
Satellite paths and precise orbital calculations predict positions and maneuvers.
WORDS TO OWN
orbitfree fallsideways speedtrajectory
!A COMMON WRONG MODEL
Satellites stay up because there is no gravity.
✓REBUILD IT WITH EVIDENCE
A satellite is falling under gravity while moving sideways fast enough to miss the ground.
A scientifically true sentence can still create a false picture. This repair makes the relationship visible.
Take learning into real life
Try it together
Roll a marble or small ball slowly past the outside of a wide bowl on the floor. Compare straight motion with a path redirected by contact, then explain why a real orbit needs gravity rather than a bowl.
GREEN SAFETYOrdinary low-risk activity with normal caregiver awareness.
01TALKWhat do you predict before we try it?02LOOKWhat changed? What stayed the same?03EXPLAINWhich evidence supports your idea?
Check understanding
Which statement best explains orbit is falling around?
Choose the explanation that matches the evidence—not just the most familiar words.
Three things to remember
✓An orbit is continuous free fall around a world or star.
✓Enough sideways speed makes the falling path curve around the body rather than strike it.
✓Evidence matters: satellite paths and precise orbital calculations predict positions and maneuvers.
SPACE FIRST CLASS My journey