Gravity: The Force That Pulls

What You'll Learn

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. On Earth, gravity pulls everything toward the center of the planet, giving objects their weight.

Key Words

friction
inertia

Materials Needed

toy cars
ramps
string
weights

Safety First

Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Forces before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Construct a catapult from popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Launch a marshmallow from different angles and measure the distance. Find the angle that gives the longest launch.

Step 3 — Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 — Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What causes an object to accelerate?