Do you ever wonder just how strong gravity actually is? What is this invisible force that is holding all of us down? Does gravity affect all object equally? These questions and more can be answered with an engaging classroom activity.
For this lesson, we will use a vernier motion detector to model the effect of gravity on various objects. 
The objects used will be dropped from a specific distance away from the probe and the data collected will be used to help estimate for the force of gravity. Students will be broken up into small groups of 3-5 students. Each group will be given three objects to model with: a book, a piece of paper, and a baseball. Groups will then drop their objects following the worksheet directions and find an estimate for gravity based on their findings.
Content standards included in the lesson:
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7 – Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.*
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7.A – Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.A.1 – Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.
Activity Adapted from Vernier’s Bounce Back: Acceleration Due to Gravity