Exploring Black Holes and Gravity
Source Institutions
-
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
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This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners imagine what would happen if our Sun were replaced with a black hole. Using a bucket with stretchy fabric over it, this activity allows participants to experiment with marbles and weights to discover some basics about gravity. Learners consider how gravity affects rockets as they launch and attempt to enter orbit around a planet or moon. The PDF contains step-by-step instructions, photos, presentation tips, and links to background information.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Model, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 2 buckets (13”/33 cm plastic black planters)
- 2.5 pound (1 kg) lead weight, from a fishing or sporting goods store
- 8 oz (225 g) lead weight
- 4 oz (100 g) lead weight
- 2 pee-wee marbles
- 2 shooter (one-inch/2.5 cm) marbles
- a few regular marbles
- 2 bungee cords
- 2 18" (45 cm) squares of stretch fabric
- drinking straws
- large towel or blanket
- softball
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
- Astronomy
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Newton's Laws
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
- Volume and Density
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Science
- Science as a Career
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, ©2008
