Gravity and Air Resistance: A Hands-On Exploration of Falling Objects

Gravity and Air Resistance: A Hands-On Exploration of Falling Objects

Assessment

Interactive Video

Physics, Science, History

5th - 6th Grade

Hard

Created by

Patricia Brown

FREE Resource

Samara and Brandon discuss Galileo's theory that gravity pulls objects at the same speed, regardless of weight. They explain that air resistance affects this on Earth, using a rock and feather as examples. An experiment on the moon by astronaut David Scott showed that without air, objects fall at the same rate. They demonstrate this concept on Earth using a book and paper, showing how air resistance can be eliminated. The video concludes with a solved science mystery.

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9 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who was the scientist that proposed the theory that gravity pulls objects down at the same speed?

Galileo Galilei

Nikola Tesla

Albert Einstein

Isaac Newton

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the force called that acts against gravity when objects fall on Earth?

Air resistance

Centripetal force

Magnetic force

Friction

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why did the feather and hammer fall at the same rate on the moon?

The moon has stronger gravity

The feather was heavier on the moon

The hammer was lighter on the moon

The moon has no air resistance

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

In the book and paper experiment, why does the paper fall slower when dropped separately?

It is lighter than the book

It is less dense

It has more air resistance

It is more aerodynamic

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What happens when the paper is placed on top of the book and both are dropped together?

The paper flies away

The paper falls slower

Both fall at the same rate

The book falls faster

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does the book do to the paper when they are dropped together?

Blocks air resistance

Makes it heavier

Increases its weight

Changes its shape

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main takeaway from the book and paper experiment?

Gravity is stronger on Earth

Heavier objects always fall faster

Air resistance affects falling speed

Books are denser than paper

8.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What did the presenters conclude about scientific experiments?

They help solve mysteries

They are not reliable

They are always easy to perform

They are only for scientists

9.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What did Brandon express a desire to do after the experiment?

Try the experiment on the moon

Visit the moon

Drop a rock and feather again

Learn more about Galileo