Why do things fall? What makes something balance? And can you actually change an object's center of gravity?
Gravity & Balance lets kids investigate force and motion for themselves through 11 hands-on experiments. They'll drop, roll, swing, balance, and manipulate everyday objects as they discover how gravity affects the world around them.
Each experiment begins with an intriguing question—such as “What falls faster: a heavy object or a light object?” Kids predict what will happen, test their ideas, observe the results, and then explore the science behind what they discovered.
Explore Gravity in Action
Kids investigate questions such as:
- How does gravity affect objects?
- Do heavy objects fall faster than light ones?
- What can slow down the effects of gravity?
- How do gravity, motion, and energy work together in a pendulum?
- What is an object's center of gravity?
- Can its center of gravity change?
- What does center of gravity have to do with balance?
These experiments turn abstract ideas about force and motion into things kids can actually see and experience.
11 Hands-On Investigations
Activities include:
- Slow Rolling Ball
- What Falls Faster?
- Falling Balloons
- Swing Set Pendulum
- Balance Lab
- Ruler Balance
- Fork, Spoon, and Pencil
- Off Center
- Wobble Balloon
- Rolling Uphill
- An introductory exploration of gravity
Each investigation includes guidance, follow-up questions, and an easy-to-understand explanation of what's happening.
Perfect for a Force & Motion Unit
Use the activities together as a 3–6 week science study, or choose individual experiments to complement a larger study of force and motion.
Good to Know
Grades: 2–3
Experiments: 11
Format: Printable digital PDF
Prep: Low prep
Approach: Hands-on + inquiry based
Includes: Background information, experiment directions, discussion questions + science explanations
This is an instant digital download. Nothing will be shipped.
