SC.3.E.5.4

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Explore the Law of Gravity by demonstrating that gravity is a force that can be overcome.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 3
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Idea: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning
Big Idea: Earth in Space and Time - Humans continue to explore Earth's place in space. Gravity and energy influence the formation of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, stars, the Solar System, and Earth. Humankind's need to explore continues to lead to the development of knowledge and understanding of our Solar System.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
5020040: Science - Grade Three (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7720040: Access Science Grade 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SC.3.E.5.In.4: Observe and describe ways to keep an object from falling due to gravity.
SC.3.E.5.Su.4: Observe and recognize ways to stop a falling object, such as catching a ball.
SC.3.E.5.Pa.3: Recognize that an object can be stopped from falling.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

No Cracks Allowed: An EGG-cellent STEM Design Challenge with Surface Area and Gravity:

STEM design! EGG-cellent! Students will use hands-on inquiry to find out more about gravity and how surface area can oppose it. Through trial and error based on collected data, students will design, create, and drop a vehicle carrying precious "cargo" from a ten-foot ladder, using a parachute to ensure a safe landing. When completed, students should have a better understanding of how gravity interacts with falling objects and how the surface area of a parachute can oppose those interactions.

Type: Lesson Plan

Let's Go, H2O!:

This STEM challenge will engage 3rd grade students in thinking about the ways that a drought can affect a region or nation and how to find a solution to this problem. Students will construct a pipeline to transport water from point A to point B while overcoming gravity and will measure the volume of liquid before and after it travels through the pipeline. This STEM challenge combines architectural engineering with life science and mathematical measurement skills.

Type: Lesson Plan

Paper Airplanes Away!:

In this lesson, students will design and fly their own paper airplane and analyze their flight data to determine the best designs for getting planes to travel the farthest distance. Students will organize class flight data into a line plot and calculate the mean, median, mode, and range for the data set.

Type: Lesson Plan

Stop the Drop - An Engineering Design Challenge:

This Engineering Design Challenge is intended to help students apply the concept that gravity is a force that can be overcome from SC.3.E.5.4 as they build devices to "Stop the Drop." This challenge includes concepts beyond the benchmark.

Type: Lesson Plan

Overcoming Gravity:

In this lesson, students learn about the pull of gravity and see how stretch from a Slinky (a spring scale) is a way to measure resistance to gravity.

Type: Lesson Plan

Exploring Gravity:

In this lesson, students engage in the engineering design process and explore gravity by designing and creating a parachute.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorial

Overcoming Gravity:

Explore how gravity can be overcome in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Paper Glider Forces:

Have you ever wanted to fly paper airplanes for fun while learning about the science of flight? Here's your chance! Produced with funding from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Type: Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8

Overcoming Gravity:

Explore how gravity can be overcome in this interactive tutorial.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorial

Overcoming Gravity:

Explore how gravity can be overcome in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.