Lesson 1: Gravity
Exploring the force of gravity and its relationship to mass through investigating the gravity of different planets.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
To describe gravity and its effects.
Working scientifically
To analyse data to write a conclusion.
Success criteria
Knowledge
I can define the term gravity.
I can explain why unsupported objects fall towards the Earth.
I can describe the relationship between mass and gravity.
Working scientifically
I can analyse data and identify anomalies.
I can compare data to a prediction.
I can describe the relationship between two variables.
Before the lesson
Watch
- 5201 views
Watch
- 5201 views
Lesson plan
Before starting this unit, check the children can recall the following ways of using forces to change the shape of materials from the unit Science, Year 3, Forces and magnets:
Forces (push, pull and twist).
Contact forces (friction).
Non-contact forces (magnetism and gravity).
Use the Activity: Unbalanced forces mind map (one each) to elicit the children’s prior knowledge if required.
Before starting this unit, check the children can recall the following ways of using forces to change the shape of materials from the unit Science, Year 3, Forces and magnets:
Forces (push, pull and twist).
Contact forces (friction).
Non-contact forces (magnetism and gravity).
Use the Activity: Unbalanced forces mind map (one each) to elicit the children’s prior knowledge if required.
Show the Pupil video: Gravity, which covers the work of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton, who helped develop the theory of gravitation.
Show the Pupil video: Gravity, which covers the work of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton, who helped develop the theory of gravitation.
Pupil video: Gravity
5201 views
Ask the class to discuss the following questions with a partner:
- What type of force is gravity, a push, a pull or a twist? (A pull.)
- Which objects have gravity? (All objects.)
- Which object would have more gravity, a planet or a mouse? (A planet.)
- Why? (A planet has more mass.)
Take feedback and clarify that mass is the amount of matter in an object: it tells us how much stuff is in that object.
Display slide 1 of the Presentation: Investigating gravity and inform the class that they will conduct a pattern seeking enquiry to investigate the question:
- Does the size of an object affect its gravity?
Display slide 1 of the Presentation: What affects gravity?, which has a graph showing relative mass compared to the relative gravity of celestial bodies.
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