Summary
This unit focuses on the forces of weight (a measure of gravity that increases by adding mass) and gravity (pulling force). Students explore these fundamental concepts by investigating how air resistance, not the weight of an object, determines how fast an object falls. The effect of drag caused by air resistance and an associated “first flight” literacy activity round out the unit.Engineering Connection
When designing structures, such as bridges and skyscrapers, civil engineers must balance the relationship between weight of materials and the force of gravity to ensure they do not collapse. Aerospace engineers design light yet strong airplanes and rockets with enough power and fuel to lift away from the pull of Earth’s gravity. Environmental engineers monitor the force of water flowing down river and through dams to generate hydroelectric power.
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