4GB+Teachers+Information

Home Student Task Resources = = =__**Teachers Information: Gravity**__=

=__**Introduction:**__= Gravity affects our every day lives. From plants to the ocean to houses and people, it is essential for us to have gravity to ensure that we survive on earth. Gravity is the force that attracts objects (people and things) to the ground. Without gravity, everything would float in mid air. We need to teach children about gravity as it defines us. For more information, refer to the resources page or follow this link.

For this topic, you will be teaching your class about gravity using the resources provided. You will need to guide your students and provide them with resources as on the resource page to enable them to complete the task. Your class will be split into groups of about 4, depending on your class size. Each group is required to work together using the resources and provide a presentation in week 5 & 6. You will provide students with the necessary materials to do the experiments. In the first 4 weeks, you will introduce gravity, take them on an excursion to The Gravity Centre, and encourage them to explore gravity. Each group is required to document their findings on the worksheet provided in the resource section and then record a video or a photo story about gravity and their experiences with gravity and present it on Powerpoint or YouTube using the interactive whiteboard in your class.

= = =__**Suggested weekly lesson plan: Week 1-6 (Group work - 4 children per group)**__= __**All necessary documents, activites, experiments and resources can be found on the resource page.**__

Laptops. One per group Digital cameras (with video capabilities). One per group Lemons. One per group Glass bowls. One per group Silver Coins. One per group
 * __Required Materials:__**


 * __Week 1:__ **
 * Introduce gravity using the resource page and available links - ensuring students understand what gravity is.


 * Send out consent forms for the excursion to take place in week 2 (you may need volunteers to help with the children during the excursion).
 * Conduct simple experiments as on resource page to introduce gravity.
 * Put children into groups.
 * Give students materials needed to do their project and ensure they are able to use them.
 * Introduce students to resources available and ensure all of them have an understanding of what is expected.
 * Ensure all students print off the brainstorming worksheet.


 * __Week 2:__ **
 * Teachers to set up a facebook page and instruct students to sign up for facebook to enable them to join in on discussions with other groups, share ideas, upload intersting photo's etc.
 * Take students on excursion to the Gravity Centre, reminding students to take their cameras and brainstorming worksheets. Students are to use this opportunity to experience gravity and use the experience to begin their group projects.

__ **Week 3:** __
 * Have class discussions about excursion and allow students to ask questions to clarify.
 * Allow students to start working on their projects.

__ **Week 4:** __
 * Ensure students are on track according to requirements - one on one with teacher.
 * Inform students of the day that they will be presenting their work.
 * Allow students to finish their projects in the classroom.

__ **Week 5 & 6:** __
 * Presentation and class discussion. Encourage students to use the facebook page for this as well, you could possibly use the facebook page as your year portfolio if you wish.