Physics, space physics: gravity force, weight = mass x gravitational…
Physics, space physics: gravity force, weight = mass x gravitational field strength (g), on Earth g=10 N/kg, different on other planets and stars; gravity forces between Earth and Moon, and between Earth and Sun (qualitative only). (Weight on other planets and the Sun's pull on the planets; the Earth and Moon are not modelled.)
The National curriculum in England: science programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3 outcome for Years 7–9 says: “Physics, space physics: gravity force, weight = mass x gravitational field strength (g), on Earth g=10 N/kg, different on other planets and stars; gravity forces between Earth and Moon, and between Earth and Sun (qualitative only). (Weight on other planets and the Sun's pull on the planets; the Earth and Moon are not modelled.)” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson.
The Solar System: Gravity, Orbits and Scale Grades 5–8 · partly supports this outcome
Pace out the whole solar system across the schoolyard from real NASA distances, walk a human orbit held together by an arm of 'gravity', graph real planet years to find the pattern, and plan a mission from planet data cards. Nothing to buy: just the printed sheets and some space.
- Why do planets go around the Sun and not fly away? 50–60 min
Students make a human orbit held together by a linked arm of 'gravity', let go to see where a planet would go without it, and follow Isaac Newton's cannon on a mountaintop. Then they graph the real length of every planet's year against its distance from the Sun and find the pattern.
- What is each world like? 50–60 min
Teams read real NASA data cards for the eight planets and the Moon, sort the worlds, work out what a bathroom scale would read on each one, and argue which way 'down' points on another planet. Then they choose a mission destination and justify it with data.
More England Years 7–9 science outcomes we teach
Every England Years 7–9 science curriculum outcome we teach
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