Orbits & the Earth-Moon System

SUNSHADOW OBSERVATORY · SKYLING

Orbits & the Earth-Moon System

Eclipse Bridge

Learn with Skyling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

Speech bubbles tell the story. Music and sound effects are optional; use the player’s volume control.

Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Skyling — Orbits & the Earth-Moon System Eclipse Bridge

Hi!

I'm Skyling.

Welcome to Eclipse Bridge!

Will you help me investigate orbits & the earth-moon system?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Rotation is spinning about an axis.

Revolution is traveling around another object.

Earth rotates while orbiting the Sun;

the Moon orbits Earth.

Which action models rotation?

  • A. Painting an orbit line
  • B. Spinning the globe in place
  • C. Moving a model around another object

The answer is B: Spinning the globe in place

Rotation is spinning about an axis.

Revolution is traveling around another object.

Earth rotates while orbiting the Sun;

the Moon orbits Earth.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Gravity helps keep objects in their orbital paths.

A tabletop model makes positions and motions easier to compare,

but distances are usually not to scale.

Which object does the Moon orbit?

  • A. Earth
  • B. Only Mars
  • C. Jupiter

The answer is A: Earth

Rotation is spinning about an axis.

Revolution is traveling around another object.

Earth rotates while orbiting the Sun;

the Moon orbits Earth.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our model turns a globe in place,

then moves a Moon model around it.

The first movement shows rotation;

the second shows orbiting.

Eclipse details are an optional extension.

What helps hold objects in orbital paths?

  • A. Painted orbit lines
  • B. A globe's stand label
  • C. Gravity

The answer is C: Gravity

Gravity helps keep objects in their orbital paths.

A tabletop model makes positions and motions easier to compare,

but distances are usually not to scale.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Rotation is spinning about an axis.

Gravity helps keep objects in their orbital paths.

Our model turns a globe in place,

then moves a Moon model around it.

You're ready to explore Eclipse Bridge with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

Or choose BACK TO MAP.

Every stop is open to explore!

Free Orbits & the Earth-Moon System teacher guide and practice (PDF)

Explore any of the six lessons

Every destination is open. No account, purchase, previous lesson, or completed video is required.