Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Kepler's laws: Explore the orbits of other worlds Virtual Lab

Travel through interstellar space and learn about Kepler's laws exploring an alien planetary system.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Kepler's laws: Explore the orbits of other worlds

About this Simulation

Captain, the mysteries of the Astakos planetary system await us! In this simulation, you will learn about the orbits of celestial bodies through Kepler's laws of planetary motion. Join the search for life in new worlds and learn about the shape of orbits, about how a planet’s velocity changes along its orbit, and about the relationship between the periods of orbits of different sizes.

Explore the Astakos planetary system

Our mission is to search for life in an alien planetary system. The student will experiment with different elliptical orbits to find out which of the orbits in the system correspond to a potentially habitable planet. Next, they will use Kepler's second law to follow their planet of interest closely. Lastly, they will gather data to deduce Kepler's third law and use it to put a geostationary satellite in orbit.

Experiment with orbits and satellites

Students will manipulate ellipses to analyze different planetary orbits. They will observe and think critically about Kepler’s second law to predict the motion of the planet of interest. Lastly, they will put their own satellite in orbit with an interactive simulation, obtaining a hands-on experience of Kepler’s third law only a virtual lab can deliver.

This simulation contextualizes scientific knowledge and incorporates it into an immersive and exciting storyline.

Say ‘Cheese’!

At the end of the sim, you will use your knowledge of Kepler’s laws to launch a geostationary satellite and take a picture of an exoplanet’s surface. What wonders will we find in this new world?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Relate Kepler's laws to the common motions of objects in orbit.

  • Describe how a planet's velocity changes within its elliptical orbit

  • Use Kepler's third law to relate the orbital period and the length of the semimajor axis of an orbit and predict the period of an orbit from its semimajor axis.

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Kepler's laws: Explore the orbits of other worlds" simulation?
What is the simulated Physics scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Physics labs does Labster offer?