Science Lesson Plan · Grades 5–7

Understanding Gravity Lesson

Teach students about gravity with this printable physical science lesson. Explains gravity as an attractive force that exists between all objects with mass, distinguishes mass (the amount of matter in an object) from weight (the gravitational pull on that mass), and covers Isaac Newton’s discovery of the laws of gravitation in the 1660s. Students learn how gravity varies with mass and distance and how it keeps planets in orbit. Includes comprehension questions and answer key.

Lesson Overview

Newton, Mass, Weight, and the Force of Gravity

The lesson builds from the everyday observation that objects fall toward Earth to Newton’s law of universal gravitation: every object attracts every other object, with the force depending on their masses and the distance between them. Students learn why an astronaut weighs less on the moon despite having the same mass.

The six-page lesson pairs a reading passage with comprehension questions. It covers the story of Newton’s discovery, how gravity differs on different planets, and how the sun’s gravity holds the solar system together. A complete answer key is included.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Read the lesson passage together or have students read silently (pages 1–3). Ask students to explain the difference between mass and weight in their own words.

2. Discuss how gravity changes with distance and mass. Have students predict whether gravity would be stronger or weaker on a larger planet and explain their reasoning.

3. Assign the comprehension questions (pages 4–5) independently. Review answers using the key on page 6.

Printable Resource

A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.

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