Teaching tools > Gravity > Overview: Gravity Q&A

Description:

Q&A: Gravity is a series of questions and answers about gravity written for teachers and students. The questions are ones that students might ask while studying gravity. Teachers can use this Q&A to gain additional knowledge about gravity, or use it in the classroom as outlined below.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page

Grades: Adaptable, at teacher's discretion

Teachers can use Q&A: Gravity as:

• An engagement activity. Use selected questions to start a discussion.

• An inquiry tool. Use selected questions and answers to help students generate questions. Propose a question, such as "What keeps Earth from falling into the Sun?" (see question 5 in Q&A: Gravity). Have students read the answer to the question and write down 3–5 questions they would like answered as a result of reading the material.

• A source of information. Students can use the questions and answers as part of their research on gravity.

• A form of review. Use the questions as a review at the end of a unit on gravity.

• A follow-up. Have students read the questions and answers to gain additional information about gravity following a related activity.

• A starting point for a debate. "Is the Earth ‘due’ for a major impact from a comet or asteroid?" This idea is addressed in the questions "How often does a comet/asteroid collide with Earth?" (see question 12 in Q&A: Gravity) and "How are solar system objects affected by gravity-induced impacts?" (see question 13 in Q&A: Gravity).

Related materials

Online exploration: Planet Impact!

Teaching tools > Gravity > Overview: Gravity Q&A