Science Experiment: Simple Gravity Experiment
Gravity is a fun concept! It can be explored through forces (grade 2), transforming energy (grade 4), simple machines (grade 5), Newton’s 3 Laws (grade 6)…or if you just want a fun short experiment that helps your kids grow their observation skills/develop curricular competencies in science for k-12!
Experiments should be simple, fun and hands-on. An experiment that seems simple can actually create so much learning and joy. It also allows for repetition which is critical in science!
Remember
As the teacher, you don’t have to have all of the answers and the experimental outcome is different sometimes because of well…science…human error…different variables. All of this can become part of an amazing discussion/learning experience.
It is also…fun! Did I mention this experiment is fun?
Materials
Things to drop that won’t break:
Math manipulatives
Pens
Pencils
Box of Kleenex
Dominoes
Stones
Soccer ball
A place to record thinking
Clipboards (super helpful for the paper/book to record thinking)
Paper (for the second challenge)
A few iPads with slow motion video (fun/helpful)
The Original Challenge
When you drop items from the same height, which items will hit the ground first? Why do you think so?
The Set-Up
Before kids start, they must have their prediction written in ink (Including the ‘why do you think’ so part)
Have the kids draw a table to help organize data (Scientists like tables! Scientists like repeated trials!)
Model dropping items from different heights/throwing one vs. dropping. Talk about fair tests.
Write the title OBSERVATIONS and underline it…
Observations
Kids work in groups of 2-3 to drop different items/record their findings. There is a bustle of activity all around the room as the simple act of dropping items creates learning/joy. It also creates wonder. The kids frantically redo experiments, try different objects, share with different groups…and record their findings. I suddenly start to hear…..
I also try to have a few iPads available so groups can try out a slow-motion camera and see what is happening… It is so much fun to see the kids on the floor…repeating the trials…being totally engaged!
How long before I pause them for a check-in? It all depends on how they are working…10-15 minutes usually.
The First Check-In
For the first several experiments in a year, I really focus on the quality/quantity of observations. If I spend time doing this, my class ‘gets’ what observations are and the rest of the year, we can push thinking.
I talk about how scientists like to see patterns, repeat experiments, and make general observations to form theories. At this first check-in, we do two things:
We brainstorm as a class some general things we noticed...
We brainstorm as a class to decided what they think they need to have ‘good observations’. We always talk about:
a. The power of labeled diagrams
b. Finding QUANTITATIVE measures
c. Repeating experiments
d. Identifying variables
e. The importance of qualitative observations
This entire chat takes 10 minutes MAXIMUM and then I release the kids to observe more…about 10 minutes …sometimes longer… it all depends on student engagement!
The New Challenge
How can you make a piece of paper and a math cube or algebra tile fall at the same time?
The Set-Up
Pause the kids and have them predict what will happen verbally if you drop a piece of paper and a cube….the paper will take longer!
Drop the items to confirm the prediction.…Have them discuss at their table groups why…then share.
Talk about a special type of frictions called air resistance…
Then give them the challenge to try to solve in their groups.
The Observations
My kids used whiteboards to make theories and plan. They tried many things. Some of my favourite included:
1. Making a paper airplane to try to cut the air….that then had lift and flew!
2. Putting the cube on the paper…
3. Crumpling the paper…
My room was a buzz of trial and error. A buzz of scientific thinking and discussion…A buzz of learning!
Follow-Up Activities
Next week my little humans are making contraptions to keep eggs safe when they are dropped off of a giant staircase. They will be fighting gravity and other forces to keep their little eggs safe. I have done this activity two years in a row with success.
The kids are super excited!
Final Thoughts
This experiment took about 90 minutes all in. It seems simple, but demonstrates so many amazing scientific concepts. It could be used k-12 to talk about many things….and it is fun.
My focus was on the concept of gravity, but my secret teacher focus was actually on improving the quality and variety of observations. My students became scientists and were able to demonstrate the concept/experiment at home with their siblings, parents and/or grandparents.
