Pitch, Roll and Yaw: The Three Axes of Rotation

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In this activity (page 87 of the PDF), learners move their bodies to better understand the three axes of rotation: pitch, roll and yaw. This exercise will help learners understand how the visual and vestibular systems work with the hippocampus to determine location and direction. This activity can be conducted outdoors or in a large area such as a hallway. The lesson guide, part of NASA's "The Brain in Space: A Teacher's Guide with Activities for Neuroscience," includes background information about axes of rotation and head direction cells.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
      • Muscles and Skin
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Rotation Motion

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • be mobile

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • MacLeish, Marlene Y. ; McLean, Bernice R.

Rights:

  • Public domain, NASA,