Active learning ideas
Gravity is introduced as a universal force of attraction that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. In 6th Class, a key learning objective is distinguishing between mass (the amount of matter in an object) and weight (the force of gravity acting on that mass). This aligns with the NCCA 'Estimating and measuring' strand, as students use Newton meters and scales to collect data.
Activity 01
Students use digital scales to find mass (grams) and Newton meters to find weight (Newtons) for various objects. They plot the results on a graph to see the constant relationship between the two.
What is gravity and how does it affect us?
Activity 02
Students are told that gravity on the Moon is 1/6th of Earth's. They must calculate their 'Moon weight' and discuss in pairs what physical activities would be easier or harder there.
How is weight different from mass?
Activity 03
Using a 'feather and hammer' video from the Apollo missions, students predict what happens when air resistance is removed. They then conduct a 'flat paper vs. crumpled paper' drop to see gravity at work.
Why do objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Heavier objects fall faster than light ones.
Gravity accelerates all objects at the same rate. Air resistance is usually what slows light objects down. Dropping a heavy ball and a light ball of the same size helps students see they hit the ground together.
There is no gravity in space.
Gravity is everywhere; it keeps the Moon in orbit. Astronauts feel weightless because they are in a constant state of freefall. Discussion about orbits helps clarify that gravity's reach is very long.
Methods used in this brief
Friction and Air Resistance
An investigation into forces that oppose motion. Students test how different surfaces affect friction and how shape affects air resistance.
8 methodologies
Levers and Simple Machines
Students learn how simple machines like levers and pulleys make work easier. They design and build their own simple mechanical devices.
8 methodologies