Chapter 3 Lesson 1 "The Effect of Gravity"
Materials:
Objective:
Anticipatory Set:*
What do you know about gravity? Looking at this picture what do you think woul the picture look like if it was taken one second later in time? Why? What is wrong with this picture? How do you know it is upside down? By looking at this picture of the planets do you know which of the planets has the most gravity? (Why or why not)
Teacher Input:* There are two basic rules of gravity no matter where you are in the Universe. Does anyone know what they are? The first has to do with this. The sun has a lot more pull on Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars than it does on the other planets. (distance) In this picture the earth has a lot more pull on the moon than it does on Pluto which is about the same size as the moon. When two objects are near each other the smaller of the two is pulled to the larger. The moon here ends up being pulled toward earth and ends up circling it. Does the moon's gravity affect anything on earth? Look at this picture and describe what is going on? Could this have an affect on your weight? Why is the effect so minimal?
The second rule has to do with this:Show this size comparisons. Of these objects which has the greatest gravity? Why? How about between these two? Jupiter and Earth. Would it suprise you to learn that A 100-pound person would weigh 254 pounds on Jupiter. Would you weight more or less on the surface of the Sun? Comparison Pictures 1, 2, 3 (If you had a great thermal protective suit.)
Guided Practice:* Students will answer the questions at the end of the section on Page 57.
Independent Practice:* Students will complete "The Effect of Gravity" worksheet
Check for Understanding:* Students will complete the quiz on Chapter 3, Section 1 "The Effect of Gravity".
Duration:
30 minutes + 10-15 for Independent Practice (Could be longer if taken for homework).
Alaska Content Standards Addressed in this lesson:
