Gravity Launch is an interactive activity that allows you to virtually launch a rocket into space to see how the force of gravity can pull an object toward the earth and moon. You also can experiment with different thrust and angle settings to learn how these settings change the motion of the rocket.
When you get to the interactive, you will see a screen that depicts the earth, moon, and a docking station. At the bottom of the screen, there is a control panel where you can adjust the ship's thrust and take-off angle using the lever and dial on the control panel.
- Ping-Pong Avalanches
- Gravity Assist Simulator
- Gravity Launch App
- Newton's Laws: Elephant and Feather - Air Resistance
- Orbits App
This activity can be used to enhance any lesson or unit on gravity and forces. It is probably best suited for use in the main part of a lesson to allow students the opportunity to see how the force of gravity can affect the trajectory of an object in space. You may want to closely monitor students as they do this activity to ensure that they understand what it is they are trying to achieve. You can ask guiding questions to assess student understanding. The interactive also could be used at the end of a lesson as part of an assessment.