Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Forces of Gravity and Air Resistance

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

5

Overview

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students watch videos about gravity and investigate the motion of falling objects on Earth and on the Moon. They examine how the force of gravity acts on falling objects and how air resistance counteracts gravity. This resource is part of the Inspiring Middle School Literacy Collection. This lesson is a great resource to use to give students background information on gravity and forces before they conduct a test of a falling object. 

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    Science (2015) Grade(s): 5

    SC15.5.7

    Design and conduct a test to modify the speed of a falling object due to gravity (e.g., constructing a parachute to keep an attached object from breaking).*

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.5.7

    Vocabulary

    • gravity
    • design
    • conduct
    • gravitational force

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • The gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed downward towards the center of Earth.
    • How an engineering design process is used to design and conduct a test.
    • The properties (surface area, substance, weight) of different materials used to modify the speed of a falling object will affect the fall.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
    • Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the design solution.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • A device added to a falling object can cause the speed to be modified.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Cause and Effect
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Interactive/Game

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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