This is a self grading, guided virtual lab that explores the relationships of gravity, mass and distance using the simulation, Gravity Force Lab: Basics by PhET (NGSS PS2-4). Students follow step-by-step instructions in the google form while tinkering with the simulation, manipulating the variables and observing, recording and graphing data for what happens as they increase/decrease mass and distance to see how it affects the force of gravity between two bodies.

A printable key is provided for both the google forms and lab guide. The google form assignment can be implemented with an optional 2 page interactive lab guide that can be completed digitally or printed to complete tandemly on paper.

Completing the lab guide along with the google form is completely optional -- students can practice creating the data tables and graphing in their science notebooks instead! Personally, I would differentiate this way by learning levels or I would alternate to help students sharpen their data table and graphing skills.

If you are interested in the interactive lab guide without the google form, find it here.

This activity can be anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on how long you have your students tinker with the PhET simulation--some students really enjoy exploring what they can do with them.

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NGSS Alignment:

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MS-PS2-4: Gravitational Interactions

Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects. (Systems and System Models)

HS-PS2-4

Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the gravitational and electrostatic forces between objects. Emphasis is on both quantitative and conceptual descriptions of gravitational and electric fields. Assessment is limited to systems with two objects.

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⚛ SCOPE & SEQUENCE of Google Forms ⚛

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5E Gravity Force PhET Google Form with Lab Guide

5 E Model Format: Includes Data Table & Graphing Practice & optional lab guide

20 points - 6 Sections as follows:

1. Intro - Name, Course Section, What is the learning goal?
2. Engage - Watch The Mysterious and Powerful Force of Gravity (3:54)
3. Explore - Set up the PhET simulation, collect data for tests 1 and 2 and enter data into form to check accuracy with response validations (immediate feedback), plot graphs and analyze data
4. Explain & Elaborate - watch Newtonian Gravity: Crash Course Physics #8 (9:19)
5. Evaluate - answer the guiding question broken up into 2 sections.
6. Student Survey: difficulty level of assignment, understanding of lesson, and leave a note

There is NO PREP besides reviewing the form & adjusting your class periods (if even that)! My middle school classes were set up in blocks of A-Days: periods 3,5,7 and B-Days: periods 4,6,8. If yours is too, you are set! :)

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✅ Included is a Google Drive Folder which contains the following files:

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5E Gravity FORCE PhET Google Form Virtual Lab + Printable Lab Guide

1. 5E Gravity PhET Lab Google Form (6 sections, 20 points)
2. Google Form Answer KEY (14 pages)
3. Teacher - Guide & Key for Gravity Force PhET GForm - (4 pages + TOU)
4. Student - Gravity Force PhET Lab - Interactive GForm Guide - (2 pages)

26 Pages Total + TOU

*Updated 4/20/23

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