5-PS2-1 lessons
Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
The Next Generation Science Standards code 5-PS2-1 asks students to: “Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.” These Fieldbook lesson teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials, a printable teacher guide and a student sheet.
Forces at Work: Gravity, Resistance, Levers and Pulleys Grades 4–5
- Do heavy things really fall faster? 60–70 min
Teams drop a light and a heavy container side by side and find that they land together, then add parachutes of three sizes and time the fall. They calibrate a rubber-band force meter in newtons and explain what gravity and air each do.
NGSS is used as written in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, so the code 5-PS2-1 matches there. Other states word and number their own versions: see curriculum alignment for your state's codes.
More NGSS standards for Grade 5
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