Suitable For
Grade 3
Difficulty
1
Time Required
<12 Hours
Supervision
Advised
What’s it about?
One of the forces of nature which can be studied easily is the earth’s gravitational force or ‘gravity’. Gravity can be explained as the force with which the earth attracts bodies near its surface. Gravity causes a falling object to hit the ground with a thud. The greater the height from which an object falls, the bigger the thud as can be seen in the following science experiment:
Topics covered
Gravity, Isaac Newton, Terminal velocity
What will I need?
- LARGE TIN TRAY
- CHAIR
- BALL BEARING
- MODELLING CLAY
- RULER
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
The science experiment works because objects that fall from a greater height are travelling faster when they reach the ground, than objects falling only a short distance. This is why the same object dropped from the highest point, makes the largest dent in the clay. A falling object dent the ground if the ground is of a softer substance than the object, whereas a soft object can be damaged by the ground if it falls on a surface that is harder than the object.
Like the sound of it?
Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?
This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:
Experiland e-books contain detailed steps, including illustrations, to complete the science projects from start to finish.
