New
New
Introduction to gravity
I can explain why unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
Lesson 1 of 13
New
New
- Year 5
Introduction to gravity
I can explain why unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gravity is an invisible pulling force that makes unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
- Scientists in the past have helped us to understand and learn more about gravity.
Keywords
Earth - Earth is the planet that we live on.
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction, or change shape.
Pull - A pull is force that brings an object closer.
Gravity - Gravity is the force that attracts objects to Earth.
Unsupported - If something is unsupported, it is not held up by anything.
Common misconception
Heavy objects fall faster than light objects.
The activity of dropping two plastic bottles (one filled and one half-filled with water) will help children see what happens.
Encourage children to notice how important science is to their lives by highlighting how many of our daily experiences depend on gravity.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Plastic bottles - at least 2 of each type. See additional materials for further information.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are pushes and pulls types of?
What are pushes and pulls types of?
Q2.Match the force to the way it acts.
Match the force to the way it acts.
Q3.Are all metals magnetic?
Are all metals magnetic?
Q4.Which of these images show pull forces?
Which of these images show pull forces?



ringing a doorbell

using scissors
Q5.Magnetic force can work at a distance, so it is a is a force.
Magnetic force can work at a distance, so it is a is a force.
Q6.Which of these things can forces do?
Which of these things can forces do?
make something change mass
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.According to stories, which type of falling fruit helped Isaac Newton understand gravity?
According to stories, which type of falling fruit helped Isaac Newton understand gravity?
orange
pineapple
melon
Q2. is a pulling force that makes unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
is a pulling force that makes unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
Q3.Which of these scientists did not help us learn about gravity?
Which of these scientists did not help us learn about gravity?
Isaac Newton
Aristotle
Galileo Galilei
Q4.Do all objects have gravitational pull?
Do all objects have gravitational pull?
Q5.Big objects have a gravitational pull than small objects.
Big objects have a gravitational pull than small objects.
Q6.Which of these statements explains what Galileo discovered about gravity?
Which of these statements explains what Galileo discovered about gravity?
Objects of the same mass, but different shape fall at the same rate.
All objects fall at the same rate.