Standard 4, Objective 2

Utah Core, 3rd Grade Science

Standard 4, Objective 2 
Describe the effects of gravity on the motion of an object.

1. Compare how the motion of an object rolling up or down a hill changes with the incline of the hill. 
2. Observe, record, and compare the effect of gravity on several objects in motion (e.g., a thrown ball and a dropped ball falling to Earth). 
3. Pose questions about gravity and forces. 

Demonstration:

Watch the following Bill Nye clip which demonstrates the effects of gravity on several different objects. Discuss the similarities and differences between what happened with each object he threw off the building.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsIBz40PcQ8

Activity:

Instruct students to write three questions they have about gravity and forces on slips of paper. Place them in a box and draw questions to discuss with the class. Search for answers online for the questions we cannot answer.

Essential Questions:

1. How does the shape and size of an object affect the way it falls?

2. What do you think would happen if we placed a ball on a steep hill vs. a hill that is not steep? Explain why you think so.