Gravity

The concept of gravity as a force has been debated for years. In the time 

of Aristotle the gravitational effect was thought of as the tendency for an 

object to return to it’s natural element. Earth objects returned to earth. 

No other reason was needed. Thousands of years later Newton was given

the credit for developing the concept of universal gravitation. 

In this concept gravity is a force field that causes the attraction between two 

objects with mass. The force is conceptualized as if something reaches out 

and pulls objects together. Gravity has been compared to magnetism or 

static electricity in effect. This model works well for most instances.

The problem is that it explains what gravity does not what gravity is. 

What makes it work? Why doesn’t it repel as magnetism and electricity does?

This has been a question that has been pondered for centuries. In the 

next few days we will be studying the issue. We will start with the basic

concepts and observations. The study will end with theories of gravitation.

Then you will be asked to research and explain some current theories

of gravitational force.

The following outline is being provided for you to help you follow this study.

Pre-unit homework:  You are to read pgs. 263-267 in your text.                             TOP

Day 1

Discuss in class the following questions:

	Why do things fall to the Earth?
	Things on the earth fall 4.9 meters in one second; why doesn’t the moon fall as far?
	Do the earth and sun fall, and if so where?
	What is Newton’s law of universal gravitation?
	What is the inverse square law?
	What is a gravitational field?

Day 2

	View the video "relativity part 1"
	Discussion in class on: "Is time absolute?"

Day 3

Powerpoint presentation on Einstein’s theory of gravitation.

Day 4 - 5

	Library research on "What other theories of gravitation are there?"
	Sources for Project:

Take a look at the Why Files on Gravity

Use AccessScience found in MARVEL

Search Engine - Try Zapmeta                         TOP                                                     

Day 6

Time to share materials and discuss in groups what you and others discovered for alternative theories of gravitation.

 

Final Product:  See Rubric

You are now to write a paper explaining at least two of the current theories of gravity and explain why one is better than the other. This is to be no longer than two pages, word processed.

Evaluation will be on:

1. The basic facts of each theory are clearly presented.

2. Work is properly cited in the MLA format. (NoodleTools)

3. There is a clear explanation of why one theory works better     than the other.

The grade will be based on:

1. Correlation to the key points of the theory.

2. The material is presented in a logical manner.

3. All ideas presented are complete.

TOP

Scoring criteria	1 attempted demonstration	2 partial demonstration	3 proficient demonstration	4 sophisticated demonstration
I-2 Explain some current theories of gravitational force.	Student does not explain current theories of gravitational force.	Student shows some understanding of current theories of gravitational force but does not explain them clearly.	The student demonstrates understanding of at least two current theories of gravitational force by clear explanation of the essential concepts of the theory.	The student demonstrates understanding of more than two of the current theories of gravitational force by clear explanation of the essential concepts of the theory.

 TOP