Curated OER
Applied Science - Built Environment (6) Lab
Sixth graders look at toys in space. In this gravity lesson, 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.