Chapter 6.1 (Science and Technology 5)

Gravity

Getting Ready: In our learning activities, we will:

  1. State the meaning of gravity as a force acting on objects.
  2. Identify the effect of gravity on objects.
  3. Demonstrate the effect of gravity on objects.
  4. Appreciate the effects of gravity in everyday life. We will develop interest in the force of gravity. We will find out more about the effects of gravity in everyday life. We will share this information with people in our communities.

Learn the meaning of these words

Learn the meaning of the listed words. Write the words in your journal or in flashcards.

The Force of Gravity

What we already know?

From our earlier lessons in Science and Technology, we studied Force and Energy. We know that a force is a push or a pull. We are familiar with the effects of force. We know that:

  1. A force is a pull or a push. What can force do? Talk about the effects of force with a friend. Record some points from your discussion.
  2. We must be careful as we work with force. What are the some of the safety precautions to observe when dealing with force? Discuss with a friend.

Activity 6.1: Why do objects fall back to the ground when thrown upwards?

Work safely in pairs. Study the pictures labelled 1 to 3. Talk about them. Answer questions 1 and 2 below.

  1. Why do we fall back to the ground, no matter how high we jump?
  2. Why do objects fall back to the ground when we throw them upwards? Relate your answer to what we learnt about force and what it can do.

Activity 6.2: Reading a short story about gravity

Activity 6.3: Identifying gravity as a force

  1. In Grade 4, we explained that a force is a push or a pull. Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the ground.
  2. We fall back to the ground no matter how high we jump, because of the force of gravity. The following terms are used to refer to gravity: gravitational force, gravitational pull, the force of gravity.

Share the knoledge with your family and community members.

Activity 6.4: Identifying the effect of gravity on an object

Work safely in groups. Study the pictures labelled 1 to 4. Talk about them. In your discussions, use the following terms: gravity, gravitational force, gravitational pull, the force of gravity, and the effects of gravity.

Activity 6.5: Find out more about gravity and its effects on objects

Activity 6.6: How do we use gravity in our everyday lives

Work safely in groups. Study the pictures labelled 1 to 7. Talk about them. In your discussions, use the following terms: gravity, gravitational force, gravitational pull, the force of gravity and the effects of gravity.

Answer the question labelled 8.

Activity 6.7: How do we use gravity in our everyday lives

Work safely in groups. Study these pictures. Identify ways in which we use gravity. Share your findings with others.

Answer these questions:

  1. What makes the water to flow downstream? How do water culverts help to prevent flooding in roads?
  2. How are children able to play and enjoy in slides?
  3. How does gravity help in the use of parachutes?
  4. With the guidance of your teacher, use the Internet to find out the application of gravity in our daily lives.

Activity 6.8: How do we use gravity in our everyday lives

  1. Work safely in groups. You will need the following items: two containers, a clear tube, water, and a stool, a table or a desk
  2. Place one bucket raised on a stool and the other on the ground.
  3. Fill the raised bucket with water.
  4. Use the tube to siphon water into the empty bucket.*
  5. Observe, discuss and record your findings.

* Safety kit: Caution: Contaminated water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases. Your teacher will demonstrate how to suck water in order to siphon it.

Learn more. Grow. Share the knowledge with your family and community members

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the centre of the Earth.

  • Gravity holds us to the earth surface.
  • Without gravity we would fall off and float in space.
  • Aeroplanes do not fly off to the outer space because of gravity.
  • Gravity causes water to flow downstream.
  • Water drains into culverts due to gravity. This helps to prevent floods during the heavy rains.
  • During play, the force of gravity enables children to slide for enjoyment.
  • Gravity pulls parachutes towards the centre of the Earth. People on parachutes land safely on the Earth surface.
  • When fruits ripen, the force of gravity pulls them to the ground. We can then pick the fruits easily.
  • Gravity enables us to siphon water. Gutters help us to collect rainwater and store it in tanks and drums.

Involve your family. Serve your community. Ask to find out. Learn. Share. Grow. Solve problems.

  1. With the guidance of your parents or guardian, observe how gutters are used to collect water into a tank or a drum.
  2. Use the knowledge on gravity to dig or unblock gutters in your community to control floods. In this way, you will be caring for the environment.
  3. Make culverts to allow waste water to drain from your home. In this way, you will use gravity to drain stagnant water, which is a breeding place for mosquitoes. This is caring for the environment. It prevents the spread of diseases in our communities.