East Detroit Public Schools
Lesson Design

Authors: Lynn Dawson and Mary Jankowski
Subject: Science
Grade:7th Grade
Title: Gravity

Length of Unit: Two to three days
Materials Needed:
Power Macintosh G3 computers
large TV monitor
VCR
Science Court: Gravity (CD-ROM program)

Standards-Based Outcomes (MDE):

Science:

IV. Use Scientific Knowledge from the Physical Sciences in Real-World Contexts

Content Standard IV, 1: All students will measure and describe the things around us; explain what the world around us is made of; identify and describe forms of energy; and explain how electricity and magnetism interact with matter. (Matter and Energy)

4. Identify forms of energy associated with common phenomena.

Content Standard IV, 3: All students will describe how things around us move and explain why things move as they do; demonstrate and explain how we control the motions of objects; and relate motion to energy and energy conversions. (Motion of Objects)

2. Describe how forces (pushes or pulls) are needed to speed up, slow down, stop, or change the direction of a moving object.

Prior Knowledge:

• Students must be familiar with how to use the computer and a CD-ROM program.
• Students must know how to determine weight and mass.

Cue Set:

The teacher begins by dropping a ball while standing in front of the classroom. As the ball drops to the floor, the teacher asks the students why it falls. The teacher accepts answers and then explains that gravity is the force that pulls the ball to the ground.

Best Shot Instruction:

• After the class’s introduction to the topic, the students begin the Science Court: Gravity CD-ROM program. The program begins with characters setting the scene for court. The characters describe the situation and the reason the defendants are in court. They must explain gravity correctly for a verdict in the trial to be determined.
• The class progresses through the trial and related activities along with the characters.
• The students interact with the program by answering questions to complete the trial and reach a verdict. In the end, the force of gravity is explained.

Reteaching and Enrichment:

The students discuss the verdict and trial until the teacher observes that they understand and can explain gravity.

Review and Closure:

The students read about and discuss how gravity was discovered. They then complete review worksheets in preparation for the test.

Assessment:

• Each student completes the lab activity and question packet after completing the Science Court: Gravity lesson.
• The student demonstrates 80% mastery on the test and assignments.

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