Science Lesson Plan
Science Lesson Plan
Gravity
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Subject of this lesson: Explaining how factors like gravity, friction and change in mass affect the motion
of objects.
NC Essential Standard(s): 3.P.1.3 Explain the effects of earth's gravity on the motion of any object on or
near the Earth.
Grades 3-5
5-PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Disciplinary Core Ideas
The gravitational force of Earth acting on an object near Earth's surface pulls that object
towards the planets center. ( 5-PS2-1)
4th grade outcomes- Students can provide concrete examples of science as a way of
thinking that involves both systematic and creative processes that anyone can apply as
they ask questions, solve problems, invent things and develop ideas about the world
around them.
I chose this field because gravity can be a concept that can be built upon previous
knowledge and it can be applied to real world situations.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
4th grade outcomes- Students construct their own scientific understanding and develop
their scientific process skills by asking scientific questions, designing and conducting
investigations, constructing explanations from their observations and discussing their
explanations with others.
I chose this field because students have to be able to apply the concept of gravity to their
everyday lives and they must build their scientific process skills.
Academic Language Demand
Language Function: Students' are expected to interpret the forces of gravity to fit each
object being used in the demonstration.
Analyze
Argue
Categorize
Compare/contrast Describe
Interpret
Predict
Question
Retell
Explain
Summarize
Instructional Objective: Students' will be able to define force, motion and gravity in their own words.
They will successfully be able to answer 7 out of 8 questions given on the quiz in the evaluate phase of
the lesson. Additionally I expect the students to be able to understand what gravity is, so they will
complete a post lesson quiz.
Prior Knowledge (student): Students should know about the concept of gravity.
Content Knowledge (teacher): The teacher should know how to properly conduct the
experiment/demonstration. The teacher should also have a clear understanding of force, motion and
gravity.
Accommodations for special needs: I would make sure that the students with physical disabilities are
close to the front of the room so they can see the demonstrations. I would put them into groups with
students that can help them while I assist the class, but would pay extra close attention to those groups in
case of extended questions. For ELL, I would try to accommodate the worksheets and demonstrations to
fit their home language as best as I can.
Video- Bill Nye the Science Guy, Gravity Demonstration from TeacherTube
www.teachertube.com/video/bill-nye-on-gravity-126336
Book: The Science Book of Gravity, by Neil Ardley
It's An Uphill Battle
Pipe insulator (cut in half length wise)
marbles
2 chairs
tennis ball
It's An Uphill Battle recording sheet (1 per student)
Ball Throwing Diagram
Tennis ball
ping pong ball
throwing ball overhead transparency (draw on board or handout per student)
Computer or Projector
White Board
Markers
Source of lesson: Website www.uen.org for the activity ideas. Then the Book of Gravity by Neil Ardley
Safety considerations: To ensure safety during the experiment, the pipe insulator will be pre-cut so that
none of the students seem tempted to cut it. I would mind them to be careful using the equipment in the
room.
Engage:
Throwing Balls
Show students the transparency of the three football players demonstrating the task.
The first football player is throwing the ball straight down.
The second football player is throwing the ball in a straight line.
The third football player is throwing the ball up in the air?
Ask the students what they think the activity will show. (Answer is gravity)
Demonstrate each style of throwing the ball so the students know what to do.
After demonstrating have the class split back up into their groups.
Allow for 5 to 10 minutes for the activity so that every student has a chance to try.
Once the students complete the demonstration ask the class:
How did gravity affect the ball when it was thrown up in a straight line? (Answer: It
brought the ball down)
What happened when the ball was thrown up in the air? (Answer: It came down)
What does gravity ultimately do? (Answer: Keeps objects down)
Evaluate:
Summative Assessment
Quiz
Sample Questions
Gravity is a force that keeps objects? (answer-down)
Where is gravity located? (answer- atmosphere)
Formative Assessment
Uphill Battle Activity Sheet
Did the student accurately fill in the information on his/her data recording sheet?
Reflection on lesson: