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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Lesson #1 — Do objects fall at the same speed?
Lesson #2 — Internet Research
Lesson #3 — Space Lander
Lesson #4 — Engineering Design Project
