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ScienceForces & MotionAges 9–11

Gravity & Falling Objects

Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object

Lesson

Set out your lesson

Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity.

Before teaching

Activity

Ask the learner to explain one prerequisite idea before starting. If uncertain, revisit it; graph order is not learner readiness.

Policy

Check readiness rather than assuming source graph order establishes attainment.

Printer, credit, and teaching notes
Instructions

Optional soft sock dropped from just above a clear table with adult permission. No heights, hard objects or throwing. If unavailable, use supplied story only.

No Printer

Use the supplied stage cards on screen or scrap paper; adult key stays separate.

Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.

Next: Show

Adult extras
What this lesson covers and its limits

These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.

  • partial: Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object

    Bounded objective: Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity. Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.

  • partial: Define gravity as a force of attraction between the Earth and objects

    Gravity explained as attraction toward Earth in everyday example.

  • partial: Explain that unsupported objects fall because gravity pulls them towards the Earth

    Release removes support, not gravity itself.

  • partial: Give examples showing gravity in action (dropping objects, jumping, water flowing downhill)

    Safe drop conditional; jump/water are supplied scenarios.

  • partial: Can {{name}} explain why everything falls downwards when you let go of it, and name the force that causes this?

    Try offers new-scenario-explanation for the bounded objective; it does not establish every part of the source assessment. Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.

  • Gravity examples only; no acceleration measurement or claim all objects fall equally in air.

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Teaching approaches

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1 approach

Selected Default Gakuva

Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity.

Explain a safe falling-object observation with gravity.

Family records and proof options

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Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.

Learning resources

Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson

Gravity Force Lab: Basics

Open practice (new tab)
Before you open · source notes

Gravity Force Lab: Basics supports hands-on exploration for Gravity & Falling Objects. Not every lab worksheet.

Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.

Before you open

Ask the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.

Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.

Source, access and review notes

Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.

PhET Interactive Simulations. “Gravity Force Lab: Basics.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.

Unknown — link only

Check understanding

  • Define gravity as a force of attraction between the Earth and objects
  • Explain that unsupported objects fall because gravity pulls them towards the Earth
  • Give examples showing gravity in action (dropping objects, jumping, water flowing downhill)
“Can your child explain why everything falls downwards when you let go of it, and name the force that causes this?”

Curriculum record

Type
Conceptual
Subject
Science
Domain
Forces & Motion
Age range
Ages 9–11

Standards

acara-v9:AC9S4U03ngss-k5:5-PS2-1uk-nc-2013:Y5.Sci.F.1