Gravity Well Science Activity

Name:

Date:

Gravity well demonstration with fabric and balls

🎯 WALT (We Are Learning To)

Investigate how gravity creates "wells" in space and observe how objects orbit around massive bodies.

Success Criteria:

I can set up a gravity well model safely

I can observe how different sized objects behave in the gravity well

I can explain what happens when objects roll around the heavy ball

I can connect this model to how planets orbit the sun

🧪 Introduction

Today we're going to create our own gravity well to see how planets, moons, and other objects move through space! You'll use everyday materials to model how gravity works in our solar system.

📦 Materials Needed

• Hula hoop or large embroidery hoop
• Stretchy fabric (lycra or thin bed sheet)
• Strong tape
• Scissors
• 1 heavy ball (cricket ball or similar)
• 2-3 light balls (ping pong balls or marbles)

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Stretch the fabric tightly across the hula hoop and tape it securely around the edges.

2. Place the heavy ball in the centre of the fabric. Notice how it creates a dip or "well".

3. Gently roll a light ball around the edge of the fabric. What happens?

4. Try rolling the light ball at different speeds and angles. Record your observations below:

5. What happens when you roll two light balls at the same time?

🌟 What's Happening?

The heavy ball represents a massive object like the Sun or a planet. It creates a dip in the fabric, just like how massive objects bend space-time and create gravity wells. The light balls represent smaller objects like planets, moons, or comets that get caught in these gravity wells and orbit around the massive object.