Lesson Plan Title: The Force of Gravity
Primary Subject
Integrated Subjects
Grade Level(s)
Length of Lesson
Research Sources
Science
Science and ELA
5
1 day
Experimenting with Forces and Motion. Burlington, NC:
Carolina Biological Supply, 2012. Print.
Unit Summary
Given various hands-on activities and a PBL project, students will be
able to explain how factors such as gravity, friction, and change in mass
affect the motion of objects.
Gravity, Force, Mass, Weight, Newton, Gravitational Force
Key Vocabulary
NC Essential Standards For
Science
Commor Core Standards for
Mathematics
Common Core Standards for
ELA & Literacy
Essential Questions
Materials & Resources
Safety Requirements
SafritDaniel
Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:12:57 AM ET
5.P.1.1 - Explain how factors such as gravity, friction, and change in
mass affect the motion of objects
RI.5.2 - Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how
they are supported by key details; summarize the text
RI.5.4 - Determine the meaning of general academic and domain
specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic
How does weight and mass effect the gravitational force on various
objects?
1.) Experimenting with Forces and Motion Textbook Reader (There are
14 books at Horizons Unlimited)
2.) Spring Scales (enough for groups of 2-3)
3.) Science notebooks to record data or an alternative way to record
data (i.e. ipads)
4.) Sticky Notes
5.) Washers
6.) String
7.) OPTIONAL - Vernier LabQuest and Probes: Use the Force Probe
None
Activities/Procedures
• Essential Question
• Explore/Engage
• Explain
• Elaborate (Inquiry)
• Evaluate
EQ: How does weight and mass effect the gravitational force on different objects?
Engage/Activate Prior Knowledge: Web it, Write it, Draw it
In this activity, students are given the word “Gravity.” Students are given the
choice to record all knowledge in one of the three forms. (At the end of this
lesson, students will revisit their APK strategy and make modifications or
additions as needed.)
Students will share their ideas about gravity and the way it acts with their
small group just before experimentation.
Explain: Set the stage by explaining to students: Gravity is a downward force
that acts on anything that has mass. In this lesson, you will use a spring scale,
or vernier labquest, to measure the force of gravity. Before using the spring
scale, make sure the scale is set to zero. You can do this by holding the scale
vertically and making sure it is set at zero.
Explore: Examine the spring scale and discuss with your group concerning the
following questions:
- What happens to the reading on the scale when you pull down on the scale?
- What are the units of measure for force on you scale?
- What is the maximum force that your scale can measure?
- How much force do the small marks along the scale represent?
Give the students various objects to examine. (i.e. washers, bolts, or any object that
can attach to a hook). Observe each object and record your observations, particularly
focusing on its weight. Discuss with your group what makes different objects heavier
or lighter than other objects. Once small groups have discussed, collaborate as a
class.
Literacy Integration: Within small groups, read “The Difference Between Mass and
Weight.” The teacher should consider reading levels of her students and group
accordingly. As students read, they should record at least 5 important facts on sticky
notes. (The amount can be differentiated to meet individual needs.) All students
within the group will select the five most important facts and write a brief summary in
science jourals.
Tell students that for the rest of class they will use the materials given to them to
investigate the relationship of mass and weight. Students should use their science
notebooks or ipads to record their findings. (The teacher may have to guide students
into “weighing” the objects using the spring scale or force probe.)
Students will write a conclusion about what they have learned about the mass of an
object and its weight. Give evidence to support the conclusion.
Teacher probing questions: What is the mass of a single washer? What is the
weight of a single washer? When you added more washers to the spring scale, what
happened to the mass on the spring scale? What do you call the force that makes
objects have weight? What direction does a force pull on the washers? Explain what
various objects have different weights. Write a general definition of “force.”
Closure: Students will revisit Web it, Write it, Draw it. Students should revisit
and make modifications and additions as needed.
R
SafritDaniel
Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:12:57 AM ET
Accommodations for
Differentiated Instruction
Cross Curricular
Integration
Created by
Email
Supporting Documents
SafritDaniel
Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:12:57 AM ET
Teacher will group students during the reading activity based off reading
needs. Teacher will individualize number of facts needed during the
writing exercise based on students levels.
ELA is integrated through a reading selection, writing a summary, and
verbal communication with groups.
rosenbaumsg@rss.k12.nc.us using Experimenting with Force and
Motion materials
Teacher Notes, Flipcharts, Labs, Data Sheets, Rubrics, etc.
SafritDaniel
Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:12:57 AM ET
SafritDaniel
Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:12:57 AM ET