Unit 23: Energy, Motion, and Forces

Day 20 of 30

Gravity: a fundamental force

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Learning Objective

Students will be able to explore gravity and a fundamental force.

Today's Lesson

In this lesson, we'll explore gravity: a fundamental force. Scientific inquiry allows us to investigate and explain natural phenomena.

A force is a push or a pull that can make objects start moving, stop moving, speed up, slow down, or change direction. Motion is when an object changes position. Isaac Newton discovered that objects at rest stay at rest and objects in motion stay in motion unless a force acts on them. Forces like gravity, friction, and magnetism affect motion all around us. Understanding forces helps us predict how things will move!

As you work through today's material, pay attention to the examples and try to identify the patterns or strategies being used. This will help you apply these concepts to new problems.

Take notes on key points and make connections to what you've already learned in previous lessons.

Key Terms
Gravity

The attractive force between objects with mass

Force

An influence that causes motion or change

Activities
Instructions
1. Read the background information on gravity: a fundamental force. 2. Form a hypothesis before beginning. 3. Conduct the investigation following procedures. 4. Record observations and analyze results.
Materials Needed
  • Lab notebook
  • Investigation materials
  • Safety equipment if needed
Practice Problems
1

What is a force?

Hint: It's a push or a...
2

Name three types of forces.

Hint: Think about gravity, friction, magnetism...
3

Why do objects fall to the ground when you drop them?

Hint: There's a force pulling them down.

Teaching Tip

For this age group: Balance direct instruction with collaborative activities. Allow students to explain their thinking and make connections to prior knowledge when exploring gravity: a fundamental force.

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