8th Investigation 7 Gravity

8th Invest. 7 ~Gravity~



In Gravity students learn that gravity is a universal force pulling objects to Earth with predictable acceleration.



Part 1 ~Force of Gravity~

Students are introduced to the force of gravity as an interaction between masses. They will use spring scales to quantify the force due to gravity and establish the relationship between force and mass in the metric system. Students investigate falling objects to learn that they fall at the same rate no matter the mass of the object.



Part 2 ~Life-Raft Drop~

Students process hypothetical data derived from a life-raft drop test to determine the acceleration due to gravity. They determine the acceleration at 10 m/s2. Students learn the equations for calculating distance and velocity when acceleration and time are known.



Part 3 ~Galileo's Discovery~

Students watch a video highlighting the life and discoveries of Galileo Galilei. They will then use Dotcars to replicate one of Galileo's experiments to see if they can confirm the rule of odd numbers. Students review their understanding of what makes things fall by revisiting the quick writes they wrote in part 1.