7th Grade Science Guide

7.1: Field Forces 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 2

● I can explain that all objects attract each other.

gravitational force and how all objects attract each other.

Activity: Gravity & Orbits PHET Simulation

Objective

Overview

Materials

● Lesson Plan ● PHET Simulation ● Student Lab Sheet

● I can make a claim about how changes to mass on the sun, moon and earth change gravitation pull.

● Students use a simulation to vary the mass of the sun, the moon, and the earth and explain how these changes affect the gravitational pull in the system.

OPTIONAL

● 3’ - 4’ circular frame ● spandex/lycra cloth ● Spring clamps ● Solid chrome steel balls of various diameters ● Shoot a cannonball into orbit!

Activity: Gravity & Force PHET Simulation

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can use evidence to support a claim about

● Students visualize the gravitational force that

● Lesson Plan ● PHET Simulation

how mass affects gravitational pull.

two objects exert on each other,and adjust the properties of the masses to see how it affects the gravitational attraction.

Phenomena Assessment: Gravity & Inertia

Objective

Overview

Materials

● CER Scaffold for Writing ● Lesson Plan ● Gravitational Models pre-made ○ Washers, straws, yarn or string

● I can explain how mass and distance change gravitational inertia.

● Students use the

gravitational model as pictured, and now should be able to use evidence

from this activity, simulations, labs,

readings, etc. to explain why the added weight