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Gravity in Action
Source Institutions
Explore the effects of gravity on a slowly falling object: a parachute you make out of plastic bags, string and stones.
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Lifting with Levers!
Source Institutions
In this fun hands-on activity learners explore a simple machine: the lever. What happens to a load when you multiply the length of a lever? Find out here!
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Soup Can Derby
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2 of PDF under GPS: Roller Coaster Design Activity), learners will use food cans of many different properties (sizes, shapes, and weights) and set two cans on their sides at
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Heavyweight Champion: Jupiter
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners confront their perceptions of gravity in the solar system.
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Canine House of Cards
Source Institutions
This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit.
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The Pull of the Planets
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners model the gravitational fields of planets on a flexible surface.
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Dunking the Planets
Source Institutions
In this demonstration, learners compare the relative sizes and masses of scale models of the planets as represented by fruits and other foods.
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Set It Straight
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple tabletop seesaw to test how different variables (the position of the fulcrum, distance, weight) affect its balance under increasing weight loads.
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Deep Sea Diver
Source Institutions
In this ocean engineering activity, learners explore buoyancy and water displacement. Then, learners design models of deep sea divers that are neutrally buoyant.
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Space Stations: Beans in Space
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners perform 20 arm curls with cans that simulate the weight of beans on Earth versus the weights of the same number of beans on the Moon and in space.
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Weighty Questions
Source Institutions
In this activity about humans and space travel (page 1 of PDF), learners compare and contrast the behavior of a water-filled plastic bag, both outside and inside of a container of water.
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Egg Bungee Jump
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners design a bungee jump for an egg using nylon stockings.
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Critical Load
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concepts of structural engineering and how to measure the critical load, or the maximum weight a structure can bear.
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A Pressing Engagement
Source Institutions
In this quick and easy activity and/or demonstration, learners illustrate the effect of the weight of air over our heads.
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Clay Bridges
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make bridges using an oil-based modeling clay (plasticene). The instructions include discussion questions for both before and after bridge building.
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Weight in Space
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to calculate their own weight on various planets using a scale and calculator. Older learners may be challenged to do so without using calculators.
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Wind Tube
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore moving air and the physics of lift and drag by constructing homemade wind tunnels.
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Balloon Flinker
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make a helium balloon "flink"--neither float away nor sink to the ground. Use this activity to introduce physics concepts related to gravity, density, and weight.
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Paper Cup Stool
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will explore how and why weight distribution works.
Build a Borneo Glider
Source Institutions
In this inquiry-based activity, learners investigate the basic forces of flight as they construct their own paper glider that represents a rainforest creature from Borneo (large, tropical island in So