The Invisible PullThe Invisible Pull

By Jacob MoyesBy Jacob Moyes

Standard IndicatorStandard Indicator

5.3.13Demonstrate that the earth’s

gravity pulls an object towards it without touching it.

Click on the link below to view the activity for this standard!

http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_5_3_pull.pdf

5.3.13Demonstrate that the earth’s

gravity pulls an object towards it without touching it.

Click on the link below to view the activity for this standard!

http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_5_3_pull.pdf

DefinitionsDefinitions

Gravity-the force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the earth.

Gravity-the force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the earth.

BackgroundBackground

Isaac NewtonDiscovered

the principles of gravity we use today.

Used them to form the 3 fundamental laws of motion.

Isaac NewtonDiscovered

the principles of gravity we use today.

Used them to form the 3 fundamental laws of motion.

ActivityActivity

Locate a chalkboard eraser and a large, smooth surface with which to work (like a tile floor)

Place the eraser on the surface. Can this eraser move on its own? What has to happen to make it move?

Test different ways to make the eraser move.

Locate a chalkboard eraser and a large, smooth surface with which to work (like a tile floor)

Place the eraser on the surface. Can this eraser move on its own? What has to happen to make it move?

Test different ways to make the eraser move.

Activity (Continued)Activity (Continued)

Conclusion: The eraser must have some force to act on it in order for it to move.

Hold the eraser out in front of you. What happens if you let it go?

Let the eraser go. What happens? Why?

Conclusion: The eraser must have some force to act on it in order for it to move.

Hold the eraser out in front of you. What happens if you let it go?

Let the eraser go. What happens? Why?

Activity (Continued)Activity (Continued)

Conclusion: Some outside force must have been applied to the eraser to make it fall.

You didn’t push the eraser to the floor, so what was the force that caused the eraser to fall?

Conclusion: Gravity is the outside force causing the eraser to fall.

Conclusion: Some outside force must have been applied to the eraser to make it fall.

You didn’t push the eraser to the floor, so what was the force that caused the eraser to fall?

Conclusion: Gravity is the outside force causing the eraser to fall.

Questions for ReviewQuestions for Review

Does gravity only work on erasers? If not, what else does it work on?

Why do you think airplanes don’t float into space?

Can you see gravity?

Does gravity only work on erasers? If not, what else does it work on?

Why do you think airplanes don’t float into space?

Can you see gravity?

ResearchResearch

I actually did this activity myself. What was surprising is that the answers aren’t altogether as obvious as you would think. If you don’t know anything about gravity and the way it works going into this project you could be thoroughly confused about why things fall with nothing visible touching said things.

I actually did this activity myself. What was surprising is that the answers aren’t altogether as obvious as you would think. If you don’t know anything about gravity and the way it works going into this project you could be thoroughly confused about why things fall with nothing visible touching said things.

ResourcesResources

IDOE www.doe.in.govThe Online Dictionary

www.dictionary.comThe Online Encyclopedia

www.encyclopedia.com

IDOE www.doe.in.govThe Online Dictionary

www.dictionary.comThe Online Encyclopedia

www.encyclopedia.com