MS-ESS1-2
The standard
Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to explain, with a model, how gravity keeps planets, moons, stars, and galaxies moving in organized patterns. They should show that objects do not just float randomly. Gravity pulls objects toward larger masses and helps create orbits and galaxy structure.
Mastery looks like a student using a drawing, scale model, simulation, or physical setup to describe motion in the solar system and Milky Way. Common sticking points are thinking gravity only works on Earth, confusing rotation with revolution, and assuming orbits are perfect circles instead of paths shaped by motion and gravity.
Ways to teach it
- Use a stretchy fabric sheet, heavy ball, and marbles to model how mass changes motion paths around a larger object.
- Ask students to write: How would the solar system change if the Sun’s gravity suddenly disappeared?
- Show a simple orbit diagram and ask students to label the object with the strongest gravitational pull and explain why.
- Have students compare the solar system to a school map, with the Sun as the main office and planets at scaled distances.
Plan a lesson for MS-ESS1-2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- MS-ESS1-3
Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
- MS-ESS1-1
Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
- MS-ESS2-4
Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
- HS-ESS1-4
Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.