Solar System, The Earth’s Gravity for Primary 6

Class: Primary Six
Term: First Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science
Previous Lesson: Components of the Solar System and their Location
Topic: Solar System: The Earth’s Gravity
content/Learning Area: The Earth’s gravity,weightlessness in space
Time allocation: 40 minutes

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson,pupils should be able too:

• Cognitive Domain:

1. Explain what gravity is and describe how it affects objects on earth.

• Affective Domain:

1. Show recognition for the forces that keep us grounded on Earth.

• Psychomotor Domain:

1. illustrate the concept of weightlessness through simple activities.

• Social Domain:

1. Discuss the importance of gravity in everyday life wiht peers.

Reference Materials

• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of work
• Online Details from britannica – Gravity – Acceleration, Earth, Moon
• Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:

• Pictures of astronauts in space and people on Earth
• Video clips demonstrating gravity and weightlessness
• A ball and a feather
• A chart showing the solar system

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding earth’s gravity is crucial for grasping basic scientific concepts. It explains why objects fall and how we stay grounded, impacting daily life and future science learning.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the solar system and its components.

Lesson Content

Solar System: earth’s Gravity

Gravity is the force pulling objects towards the Earth. When you drop something, it falls because of gravity. Gravity keeps us on the ground.

In space, astronauts experience weightlessness due to less gravity. This is why they float. Think of gravity as an invisible hand holding you down.

Gravity in the Solar System

Gravity is the force of attraction between masses. Earth’s gravity pulls objects toward its centre and keeps people, air and oceans from drifting into space. The Sun’s much larger mass provides the gravitational pull that keeps planets in orbit.

The Moon’s gravity contributes strongly to ocean tides, while Earth’s gravity keeps the Moon in orbit. An orbit is continuous curved motion under gravity, not the absence of gravity.

Gravity in the Solar System

Gravity is the attraction between masses. Earth’s gravity pulls objects toward its centre and keeps the Moon in orbit. The Sun’s much greater mass provides the gravitational attraction that keeps planets in their orbits. An orbit is continuous motion under gravity, not an object simply hanging still in space.

Teaching Methods

to deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Presentation, Group Activity, Question and Answer.

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Displays pictures of astronauts and people on Earth; asks pupils to compare and contrast.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe pictures, answer questions about differences.

Step 2: Description of Key Concepts

Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: Explains gravity using simple language and examples.
Pupils’ Activity: listen, take notes, ask clarifying questions.

Step 3: Exhibition/Guided Practice

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: Drops a ball and a feather to show gravity’s effect.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe, predict which object will hit the ground first.

step 4: Independent Practice

Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Guiding
Teacher’s Activity: Shows a video of weightlessness in space.
pupils’ Activity: Watch video, discuss differences from Earth.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Provides notes for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes into exercise books.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to assess understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions.

Objective-aligned checks:

1. Explain what gravity is and describe how it affects objects on earth.
2. Show recognition for the forces that keep us grounded on Earth.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 mins
Teaching skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes key concepts,answers remaining questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen, participate in discussion.

lesson Keywords

• Gravity – The force that pulls objects towards each other, especially the force that attracts objects to the Earth.
• Weightlessness – The state of experiencing little or no gravitational pull, often experienced in space.
• Astronaut – A person trained to travel in a spacecraft beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Force – An influence that can change the motion of an object.
• Earth – The planet on which we live, the third planet from the Sun.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. What is gravity?
2. How does gravity affect objects on Earth?
3. Why do astronauts float in space?
4. Describe one activity that can show the effect of gravity.
5. Why is gravity important to us?

Assignment/Homework

1. Research and write a short paragraph about how gravity affects the tides in the ocean.
2. Draw a diagram illustrating how gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.
3. explain in your own words why objects with different masses fall at the same rate on Earth.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
• For advanced learners: Encourage further research on gravity and its effects.
• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, discussions, and hands-on activities to explain concepts.

Note for Teachers

Ensure to use real-life examples and demonstrations to make the concept of gravity relatable to pupils. Encourage active participation and questions to gauge understanding.