SC15.5.6

Science (2015) Grade(s): 5

SC15.5.6
Construct an explanation from evidence to illustrate that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed downward towards the center of Earth.

Unpacked Content

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Knowledge

Students know:

The Earth's shape is spherical.
That objects dropped appear to fall straight down.
That people live all around the spherical Earth, and they all observe that objects appear to fall straight down.

Skills

Students are able to:

Construct an explanation of observed relationships.
Use evidence to illustrate the relationship between gravity and objects on Earth.

Understanding

Students understand that:

If Earth is spherical, and all observers see objects near them falling directly "down" to the Earth's surface, then all observers would agree that objects fall toward the Earth's center.
Since an object that is initially stationary when held moves downward when it is released, there must be a force (gravity) acting on the object that pulls the object toward the center of the Earth.

Vocabulary

construct
explanation
gravitational force
evidence
illustrate
spherical

Aligned Learning Resources

Marble Coaster

Gravity on Earth

Gravity and Falling Objects

Design by Adaptive Theme