Curated OER
Applied Science - Built Environment (6) Lab
Sixth graders look at toys in space. In this gravity lesson plan, 6th graders make predictions about what different toys will do with zero gravity. They watch a space video and see what happens to these toys in space.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Free Falling and Weightlessness
Discover the difference between free-falling and weightlessness in this interactive activity from the NOVA: "Stationed in the Stars" Web site.
Science Struck
Science Struck: What Is Gravity and How Does It Work
A very detailed look at gravitational force and the many theories that have been put forward to try to explain it. Includes lots of illustrations.
Read Works
Read Works: Astral Bodies
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about being an astronaut and living in zero gravity. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Momentum and Collisions: The Astronaut Catch
Students imagine that they are hovering next to the space shuttle in earth-orbit, and bump into another astronaut of equal mass. If the two astronauts holds onto each other, then how fast do they move after the collision?
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Stationed in the Stars
Examine the factors that impact an astronaut's freefall in space. Differentiate between zero gravity, weightlessness and freefall.