Introduction to gravity
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
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.
Teacher tip
Encourage children to notice how important science is to their lives by highlighting how many of our daily experiences depend on gravity.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are pushes and pulls types of?
Q2.Match the force to the way it acts.
Act between objects that are touching each other.
Act between objects that are not touching each other.
Pushes and pulls that make things move or change direction.
Q3.Are all metals magnetic?
Q4.Which of these images show pull forces?
Q5.Magnetic force can work at a distance, so it is a is a force.
Q6.Which of these things can forces do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.According to stories, which type of falling fruit helped Isaac Newton understand gravity?
Q2. is a pulling force that makes unsupported objects fall towards Earth.
Q3.Which of these scientists did not help us learn about gravity?
Q4.Do all objects have gravitational pull?
Q5.Big objects have a gravitational pull than small objects.
Q6.Which of these statements explains what Galileo discovered about gravity?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Introduction to gravity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Introduction to gravity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Forces including simple machines unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.