Build a Gravity Well
This challenge uses everyday items to create a physical model of a black hole's immense gravity. Learners will observe how different objects react to a strong gravitational pull, just like stars and planets near a real black hole.
The lesson goal is in this spark, your learner will design and build a physical model representing a black hole's gravitational pull, observe and describe how mass affects the interaction of objects within a gravity well and connect the model to the real-world concept of black holes and their influence on space.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Imagine a powerful space force?
- Move on when Student shares an idea about a strong force or pull.
Photo by Iceberg San on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Gather all materials for the model.
- Predict what will happen with objects.
- Move on when Learners have gathered materials and shared at least one prediction.
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Discuss the fabric's dip.
- Describe lighter objects' paths.
- Talk about the 'pull' strength.
- Move on when Student can describe the dip and the general movement of the lighter objects.
Photo by Turgay Koca on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Place bowl for stable base.
- Stretch fabric tightly over bowl.
- Place heavy object in center; observe.
- Roll lighter objects from edge.
- Experiment with speed and angle.
- Observe and compare objects' paths.
- Move on when Student has experimented with rolling various objects and observed their paths.
- 5
Summary2 Min
- Share one key learning.
- Move on when Student shares one key observation or learning from the activity.
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