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gravitational force



OVERVIEW



Gravitational Force is a four-lesson unit of study that allows students to support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down. In lesson #1, students investigate the ideas: gravity causes objects to fall, why objects fall, and how air resistance affects falling objects. In lesson #2, students do internet research to understand how parachutes work. In lesson #3, students complete an activity, which leads them to understand parachutes slow the speed at which an object falls through the air. In lesson #4, students use what they have learned about gravity, air resistance, and parachutes to design, build, and test a space lander.



RESERVE NOW

What's included



Lesson #1

Students will understand that gravity causes objects to fall. Students learn why objects fall and how air resistance affects falling objects.

What’s included: Lesson plan; class set of pre/post Gravitational Force Knowledge Survey student sheets; vocabulary posters, learning goal poster, sentence frame poster; 8 gravity kits (each kit includes stopwatch, foam ball, tape measure); 8 Jungle Gym Drop kits (each kit includes 3 feathers, 1 eraser); Lab activity sheets


Lesson #2

Students will understand how parachutes work by doing internet research.

What’s included: Lesson plan; vocabulary poster; learning goal poster; sentence frame poster; Internet Research Activity Sheets.


Lesson #3

Students will understand that parachutes slow the speed at which an object falls through the air. Students learn how air resistance slows the descent of an object and keeps it from smashing into the ground.

What’s included: Lesson plan; vocabulary posters, learning goal poster, sentence frame poster; 8 gravity kits (each kit includes stopwatch, foam ball, tape measure); Lab activity sheets


​Lesson #4

Students will use what they know about gravity, air resistance, and parachutes to design a space lander that will protect its cargo from breaking or falling out.

What’s included: Lesson plan; class set pre/post gravitational force knowledge surveys; learning goal poster, sentence frame poster; 8 gravity kits (each kit includes stopwatch, foam ball, tape measure); trade book How Do Parachutes Work by Jennifer Boothroyd; Lab activity sheets