Gravity
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to observe forces such as magnetism and gravity acting on objects.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that forces cause change and that energy exists in many forms.
Science Background
Gravity is More Than a Name: The Physics Classroom (website) - “What goes up, must come down.” This web page explains the phenomenon of gravity in scientific terms, and includes links to additional, gravity-related information.
Gravity is More Than a Name
The Physics Classroom, www.physicsclassroom.com
The Force of Gravity: Fact Monster (website) - This article defines and explains the difference between the terms “gravity” and “gravitation.”
Signature Lesson
Falling: Science NetLinks (website) - Investigate the force of gravity by observing the speed with which common objects (penny, paper, pen, etc.) fall when dropped from the same height.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
The Force of Gravity: Utah Education Network (website) - Use balls and marbles to investigate the acceleration of gravity.
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Gravity, May the Force Be With You: Utah Education Network (website) - A collection of basic gravity activities.
Gravity, May the Force Be With You
Utah Education Network, www.uen.org
Getting a Feel for Gravity: NASA Space Place (PDF) - Outside activity that enables students to understand how space mission planners use gravity to help spacecraft reach their destinations.
Getting a Feel for Gravity
NASA Space Place, www.spaceplace.nasa.gov
Assessment Ideas
Have students write short paragraphs explaining the difference between gravity and magnetism by answering questions such as, What does gravity attract? and What does magnetism attract?
Literature Connections
Gravity Is a Mystery. Branley, F. (ISBN-13: 978-0064452014)
Defining the Laws of Motion. Phelan, Glen (ISBN-13: 978-0792288985)
What Is Gravity? Trumbauer, Lisa (ISBN-13: 978-0516258447)
Additional Resources
Microgravity: BioEd Online (video) - Dr. Greg Vogt uses examples from space travel to teach about gravity.
Microgravity
by Dr. Greg Vogt, BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
Microgravity Educator Guide: NASA (PDF) - Background information on gravity, with an explanation of how spaceflight creates an environment in which the effects of gravity are reduced.
Microgravity Educator Guide
NASA, www.nasa.gov
TEKS Navigation
Grade 3
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