Forces of Gravity and Air Resistance

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

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. 

Students need to be signed in to complete this lesson. Go to "About This Activity" in "Support Materials" or click here.

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).*

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

CR Resource Type

Interactive/Game

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
ALSDE LOGO