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Why is gravity different on other planets?
Space Patterns Unit | Lesson 4 of 4

Why is gravity different on other planets?

Space Patterns Unit | Lesson 4 of 4
Lesson narration:
Scroll for prep

DISCUSS:

What do you think gravity might be like on some of the other planets? (More than Earth? Less than Earth?)

DISCUSS (1 of 2):

Take a look at these apple trees. Which way will the apples from each tree fall?

apple trees on Earth

DISCUSS (2 of 2):

If you drew arrows showing which way the apples would fall, would they all point in the same direction? Which way would each arrow point?

apple trees on Earth
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planet


1 of 10

a large, round object in outer space that orbits a star
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multiply


2 of 10

to add a number to itself a certain number of times
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divide


3 of 10

to separate into smaller parts or groups
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average


4 of 10

a number that you get when you add up a set of numbers and then divide by how many numbers there are in that set
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graph


5 of 10

an image that helps you understand information
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pattern


6 of 10

something that happens again and again and again in a way that can be predicted
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mass


7 of 10

the amount of matter an object has

force


8 of 10

a push or a pull
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gravity


9 of 10

an invisible force that pulls any object down, toward the center of a planet, moon, or other object
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asteroid


10 of 10

a rocky object in outer space
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Other
3 year old Tydus by Trav and Cor
Apollo 16 Lunar rover "Grand Prix" by NASA HD
Apple falling - close up by Manamatata
Apple falling slow motion by Wavebreak_Video
Apple tree graphic by DreamCreation
Apples by Caliproducties
Apples falling by Olegha
Astronauts falling on the moon by Martian Archaeology
Black chairs by Strekoza64
Earth Vector by Lucky Vector
Earth vector by Lucky Vector
Family throwing leaves and having fun by VIAFilms
Five playful teen girls on a mountain trail by TheStacks
Illustration of a team of astronauts by Lorelyn Medina
Jupiter Moons by Jan Sandberg
Magnet picking up nails by Van_Vog
Mars 2003 by JPL
Mars rover in Buckskin selfie by JPL
NASA Moon tour by NASA Goddard
Neptune by Blue Ring Media
Neptune by NASA Commons
Neptune by BlueRingMedia
Newspaper with breaking headline by Castleski
Pencil by Vitaly Zorkin
Pencil by Vitaly Zorkin
Phobos Colour by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Planet vectors by Anatolir
Planet vectors by Anatolir
Satellite images of earth by Anton Shahrai
Saturn's moon by Dotted Yeti
Science concept fun by Abaget
Sky diving contest by MADConcept
Sticky notes by Kirate
Two black chairs by Strekoza64
Two kitties by Tony Campbell
Two men diving from a springboard by Paha_L

Featured Reviews

“Great and engaging way to show students the correlation between size and gravity.”
“The kids loved this lesson. They spent the rest of the day jumping as high as they could and wondering if it would be higher or lower on the planets they did not explore. ”
“The students actually enjoyed figuring out how high they could jump on other planets, they didn't even complain about doing math.”
“I loved that students were using the math vocabulary of "times more" or "times less" and had to figure out if that meant multiply or divide. ”
“This activity was an easy set-up, and the kids loved knowing they could jump over a basketball hoop! ”
“The kids loved doing the jump activity. Great time of year to get them up and moving during science class!”
“The tutorial on how to jump really helped the kids understand how to do the activity. ”
“It really brought home the understanding of how size relates to gravity.”
“Very engaging and students really understood concepts!”
“I like how students were able to jump and learn at the same time!”
“So interactive and FUN!”
“The amount on kinestheic activity involved. Simple math so this was easily combined as a math lesson. ”
“Gravity activity worked well with stations. Excellent having materials available for teachers that engage students.”
“I have included these lessons into my 7/8 curriculum and I am never disappointed by the learning that is happening in the classroom. Whether it be review or new material all level learners are engaged. ”
“Students loved jumping and measuring how high they could jump then figuring our how high they would jump on the smaller planets.”
“This was a great lesson! So much fun jumping and seeing the difference on the other planets. Very well done!”
“engagement and explicit instruction...WOW”
“The students enjoyed the hands on learning and group work!”
“KIds love the end questions!”
“My students loved going to other planets and moons and jumping. They actually had a fun time doing math and science combined. It was a fantastic hands-on activity to explore this concept. As the teacher, I loved the conversations that the students were having. "Thank you Doug and Mystery Science!" Mrs. Lords' Class 5th grade ”
“The kids really enjoyed jumping up and putting their sticky notes on the wall. And the activity, along with making the bar graph, really helped my students understand the concept of how the size of a planet or moon affects it's force of gravity.”
“I loved the math that was tied in. Gave opportunity to review some skills as well as graphing skills. The students had fun seeing how high they could jump. The wrap up after the activity generated some very good questions and curiosity.”
“I love this! My students had such an amazing time doing this activity. The discussion involved with gravity was very in depth.”
“My students loved this one. Enjoyed how active it was, and how much math was involved.”
“The calculations students were required to do was a good review of rounding decimals in a context that was engaging and had purpose.”
“The kids got to move around and were really engaged by that.”
“The lesson went with the previous lessons I had been teaching.”
“Fabulous lesson to really help students understand gravity differences”
“Perfect way to review math skills before state standardized testing. ”
“Great mystery. Students struggled to work independently, but once compared to bounce in a trampoline park, they took right off and enjoyed it! Math lines step by step questions wonderful since it took some direct instruction for them to notice how each line asked them to think about what to do next... good cognitive training!”
“Students loved seeing how high they could jump and then how that translated to how high they can jump on other moons or planets. ”
“The students loved jumping! I loved the use of measurement, multiplication, and division incorporated into science class!”
“Interactive and engaging lesson. The math calculations make this science lesson into an instant SBA Performance Task.”
“Great videos. Simple worksheet. Great Discussion in class. ”
“It was really hard at first. The kids didn't get the worksheet. I had to walk it through with some of them for the entire lesson. Ultimately, it was a much-needed lesson on graphing and record keeping. It was definitely a valuable experience. ”
“The kids enjoyed measuring their jumps, and were very engaged in calculating how high they could jump on other planets.”
“I taught this with my 3rd graders class since we just learned about gravity in our solar system unit. It was a little tricky for them but the higher students loved it. I realize it was meant for older grades. The kids love seeing how high they could jump on each planet/moon. ”
“I loved all the math involved! The kids were super engaged and enjoyed the activity. They will definitely remember what they learned about gravity :-)”
“Students loved the active component of this lesson! I love the math involved. Also, the assessment for this lesson is spot on!!!”
“The children are very curious about gravity and about planets. This combines both of their curiosities in a fun, interactive activity. ”
“The procedures were very clearly lined-out and easy to follow. The students were able to make a clear connection between the size of the celestial being and its relative gravity. ”
“The step by step activity instructions were amazing!!Students were able to follow along without feeling overwhelmed or confused. They loved this lesson!”
“The activity helped my students understand the concept, plus it was FUN!!”
“Students enjoyed the activity. Instructions were very clear!”
“My students really enjoyed the kinesthetic aspect of the lesson. They were able to grasp the concepts through the activity. Getting my students to jump around before sitting down and learning is probably going to be mandatory from here on out.”
“Easy to prep, easy to follow, students liked the physical aspect, graphing was a great tool!”
“This was very well planned. I like how students calculated their jumps on Earth and then other planets. Using weight at this age can be awkward, yet the option is there if they want to pursue it. This was totally enjoyable and engaging. Really helped with understanding the required objective.”
“The students had great discussions. Some misconceptions were cleared up. We also did the Asteroid Jump and the extension activity from the Exploratorium, Weight on other Worlds.”
“The students were very engaged with the activity and I felt that they had a good understanding of gravity at the end of the lesson.”
“The kids were so excited to see how high they could jump on the moon!”
“My students loved the jumping activity and the explanation of the force of gravity.”
“Kids had fun jumping and slapping the way. Great discussion about the relationship between the size of the planets and gravitational pull.”
“The kids were very engaged and they quickly understood the concept of gravity.”
“They had so much fun! They loved seeing what they could jump over. ”
“The graphing was great and a perfect opportunity to introduce multiplication and division!”
“very easy to facilitate, and students were engaged the whole time!”
“Students enjoyed the jumping and calculating!”
“You guys rock! I love the activities and how you explain them. The kids really get excited about what we learn. Thank you so much for making my job easier!”
“I really like this lesson. It was easy to prep, it taught the information very well and students were knowledgeable at the end. ”
“Super new lesson! It was great to have something where the kids collected data and made a graph. It also had a great example of drawing conclusions (how does the size of the planet affect the gravity?) ”
“everyone loved it I think it was their favorite mystery yet. thank you, Doug.”
“Everything was awesome!!! :) ”
Lesson narration:

Grade 4

Space Patterns

Gravity

5-PS2-1

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students discover that gravity exists on all planets and moons, but the amount of gravity is different because it depends on how massive the object is. In the activity, Gravity Jump, students measure how high they can jump on Earth and then calculate how high they would be able to jump on other planets and moons within our Solar System.
Preview activity
Space Patterns Tx Lesson 4: Why is gravity different on other planets?

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