This Thematic Tour gives students the opportunity to experiment with the pull of gravity and some of the things that can push against gravity. By experimenting with paper and parachutes, they are introduced to the concepts of gravitational pull and air resistance. While at The Franklin Institute, the self-guided Discovery Route offers opportunities to experience many different aspects of the effects of gravity on familiar and unfamiliar devices. Follow-up activities invite students to apply what they've learned about gravity as they create their own way to slow or oppose gravity's affect on a rolling ball. To design a way to slow down an object being pulled by gravity.
Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the earth.
Divide the class into groups of three or four. Each group should also have paper and pencil to record their observations after each trial. Place extra tissue paper, cones, paper clips and tape into a pile that is accessible to all groups. Have students hold a flat sheet of paper horizontally next to the same size sheet crumpled into a ball and predict what will happen if they drop them both at the same time. Have groups share their predictions and observations.