Gravity & Falling Objects

ScienceForces & MotionAges 9–11

Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object

Teach this topic

Share and support

Teaching Table

Set out your lesson

Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity.

Activity

Ask the learner to explain one prerequisite idea before starting. If uncertain, revisit it; graph order is not learner readiness.

Policy

Check readiness rather than assuming source graph order establishes attainment.

Instructions

Optional soft sock dropped from just above a clear table with adult permission. No heights, hard objects or throwing. If unavailable, use supplied story only.

No Printer

Use the supplied stage cards on screen or scrap paper; adult key stays separate.

Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.

What this lesson covers and its limits

These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.

partial: Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object
Bounded objective: Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity. Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.
partial: Define gravity as a force of attraction between the Earth and objects
Gravity explained as attraction toward Earth in everyday example.
partial: Explain that unsupported objects fall because gravity pulls them towards the Earth
Release removes support, not gravity itself.
partial: Give examples showing gravity in action (dropping objects, jumping, water flowing downhill)
Safe drop conditional; jump/water are supplied scenarios.
partial: Can {{name}} explain why everything falls downwards when you let go of it, and name the force that causes this?
Try offers new-scenario-explanation for the bounded objective; it does not establish every part of the source assessment. Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.

Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.

Share teaching feedback Continue to your family plan

Entire curriculum

1590 concepts · 8 subjects

Compare teaching approaches

Teaching approaches

Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.

1 approach

Selected Default Gakuva

Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity.

Family records and proof options

Keep a record of your learning

Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.

Start Family ($12/mo) See sample proof packet

Learning resources

External links for extra practice. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

No additional resources are listed for this topic.

The teaching approach appears above.

Check understanding

Define gravity as a force of attraction between the Earth and objects
Explain that unsupported objects fall because gravity pulls them towards the Earth
Give examples showing gravity in action (dropping objects, jumping, water flowing downhill)

“Can your child explain why everything falls downwards when you let go of it, and name the force that causes this?”

Curriculum record

Type: Conceptual
Subject: Science
Domain: Forces & Motion
Age range: Ages 9–11

Standards

ngss-k5:5-PS2-1uk-nc-2013:Y5.Sci.F.1