Gravity: Epic 3rd Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

The crew will use their knowledge of gravity as a downward force to foil Moodoo's plans to disrupt gravity!

Moodoo is at it again with his plots to cause chaos, this time with a gravity manipulator! The crew must use their knowledge of gravity to infiltrate his labyrinth layer and deactivate the manipulator in order to restore normalcy on the surface of Tellanor.

Est. time: 19 min.

Targeted Standards

NGSSS SC.1.E.5.2 Explore the Law of Gravity by demonstrating that Earth's gravity pulls any object on or near Earth toward it even though nothing is touching the object.

NGSSS SC.K.E.5.1 Explore the Law of Gravity by investigating how objects are pulled toward the ground unless something holds them up.

PS.3.2 Understand motionand factors that affect motion.

3. Use models to explain the effect of Earth's gravity on the motion of any object on or near the Earth.

3.2.5.F Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

SEEd 3.3.3 Construct an explanation that the gravitational force exerted by Earth causes objects to be directed downward, toward the center of the spherical Earth. Emphasize that "downward" is a local description depending on one's position on Earth. (PS2.B)

S.3.5 Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed toward the center of the Earth.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the center of a planet, which appears as objects falling "down".

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and using models

Students will use models that demonstrate gravity in action to figure out which direction is "down"

Analyzing and interpreting data

Students will investigate and analyze visual data and models to determine the best path through the rooms based on gravitational pull

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and effect

Students will observe the effect of gravity on objects to determine how gravity causes objects to move in real-world situations

Patterns

Students will observe patterns with multiple types of objects (falling objects, balls on ramps, and water) to see what happens to all those objects. Students will be able to observe the phenomena that because of gravity objects always are drawn downward.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS2.B: Types of Interactions

The gravitational force of Earth acting on an object near Earth’s surface pulls that object toward the planet’s center.

Defying Gravity (3rd)