Gravity and Mass, Lessons and Activities

Gravity and Mass and the role of Gravity in the Solar System

One concept in middle school science that can be tricky to teach is the relationship between gravity and mass and the role of gravity in the solar system. 

One way I teach this is with barycentric balls.  I created my own using string, sand, and tennis balls.  

The barycentric system shows that rotation will happen closer to the ball with a greater mass. 

The black tennis ball is filled with sand and it has a greater mass.

I also like to have students read some informational text on gravity and its role in the solar system.

Students will also like learning about Pangea.

Then I have them explain their understanding with a model in their interactive notebook. 

Here are my complete units on Gravity and Mass and Gravity in the Solar System

Gravity and Mass: Making an Argument From Evidence NGSS MS-PS2-4 and Utah SEEd 7.1.5

Gravity in Galaxies and The Solar System: NGSS MS ESS1-2

Gravity and Inertia In The Motion of Orbits In Our Solar System Utah SEEd 6.1.2

See other resources for Middle School Science

Analyzing the Fossil Record

Cells Middle School Resource

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