I.

Learning Objectives Explain why planets stay in orbit as they revolve around the sun

II. Learning Tasks

A. Subject Matter: Why Planets Stay in Orbit as They Revolve Around the Sun

1. Concept

 Planets revolve around the sun in harmonious relationship. They do not collide
with one another because they stay in their respective orbits.
 There are two forces that keep the planets in their own orbit: the gravitational pull
of the sun and inertia.
 The gravitational pull of the sun tends to move the planet towards its center.
However, this force is balanced by another force called inertia which tends to move
planets in a straight line. These two forces are always balanced that’s why the
planets neither fall straight into the sun nor move away in a straight line from the sun.

2. Process Skills

Observing, inferring

3. Value Focus

Appreciation of the solar system

B. References

- Tan, C. T. (2002) Science for Daily Use 5 (TX), Dane Publishing House, Inc., Quezon
City, Phils., pp. 259 - 261
- Llarina, J. F. (1999) Into the Future: Science and Health I (TX), Diwa Scholastic Press,
Inc., Makati City, Phils., pp. 265 – 267
- http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/phonedrmarc/2002_july.shtml

C. Materials

1.0 meter string

washer

III. Learning Procedures

A. Review

Challenge the class by naming the distances of the 8 planets from the sun by forming a
human body solar system

B. Motivation/Presentation

Read the poem

The Planet’s Orbit

Around the sun revolve all the planets

In their paths called orbits
At different times the planets are at
different places
Because each has its own orbit to follow.

205
 Since they have different distances
from the sun
They complete their travels around the sun
at different lengths of time.

Ask: 1. What heavenly bodies revolve around the sun?

2. What do you call the path of a planet?
3. Why are planets at different places?

C. Activity Proper

Introduction to the activity

1. Prepare pupils for the activity

1.1 Let them bring out their materials – (string and washer)
1.2 Let them do procedure No. 1 on the Activity Card
1.3 Set the standards to follow
1.4 Take the class outside

2. Have them do procedure Nos. 2 and 3 of the Activity Card

3. Take them back inside the classroom after doing the activity.

3.1 Let them answer the questions on the Activity Card

Activity Card

Materials:
You will need:
1.0 meter string
washer

Procedure:

1. Tie the washer with a 1.0 meter string. The washer represents a “planet”.
2. Hold the other end of the string and swing the washer above your head. Your
hand represents the “sun” and the length of the string, the “distance” of the planet
from the sun.
3. Observe the movement of the planet and the path it takes as it moves around.
This path represents the “orbit”.Swing the “planet” for about a minute. Observe
what you feel as the “planet” is being swung.

Questions:

1. Does the “planet” stay in its orbit as it revolves around the “sun”?
2. When you swing the “planet” for about a minute, do you feel something? Describe
the feeling.
3. Is there a force pulling the “planet” inward? Where does the force come from?
4. If we were to cut the string while the “planet” is revolving around the “sun”, will it
continue to move in circular motion? Why or why not? How will it move?

206
D. Discussion/Analysis

Let pupils study the diagram below. The arrows show the forces exerted on bodies
moving in space. How do these forces make the planets stay in their orbits?

Source: http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/phonedrmarc/2002_july.shtml

There are two forces that keep the planets in their own orbits. The gravitational pull of
the sun tends to move the planets towards its center.

However, this force is balanced by another force called inertia which tends to make
planets move in a straight line. These two forces must be always balance, otherwise the
planet would be driven out of its orbit.

E. Forming Generalization

a. Why do planets stay in orbit as they revolve around the sun?

b. What do you think will happen if the sun loses its gravitational pull on the planets?

207
 c. How is the action related to the diagram?

F. Application

Cars and buses in the streets have their own lanes to follow. What do you think will
happen if these vehicles will not follow their own lanes?

G. Assessment

Match Column A with Column B. Write your answers on the blank before the number.

A B
_____ 1. Heavenly bodies that revolve around the sun A. orbits
_____ 2. A force that tends to move the planet towards B. planets
its center
_____ 3. A force that tends to make planets move in C. inertia
straight line
_____ 4. Path that planets follow D. Ellipse
E. Gravity

IV. Assignment

Research about the dwarf planet Pluto.

208