Begin the lesson by discussing the common misconceptions about mass and weight in everyday language versus scientific terms. This will engage students and set the stage for deeper exploration.
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Mass vs Weight
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between mass and weight in scientific terms.
- Explain how gravity impacts weight but not mass.
- Describe how weight changes in different gravitational environments, such as the Earth, the Moon, and deep space.
- Recognize that mass remains constant regardless of location.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Explain the scientific definitions of mass and weight, emphasizing that mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity on that object.
Discuss how gravity affects weight but not mass, using examples from Earth, the Moon, and deep space.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'Misconceptions in Science – Mass, Gravity and Air Resistance' to address common misunderstandings and illustrate how gravity and air resistance affect falling objects.
Hands-On Activity
Engage students in a hands-on activity by designing and testing paper airplanes to explore concepts of aerodynamics and measurement.
Independent Practice
Have students complete the 'Mass vs Weight – Comprehension' worksheet to reinforce their understanding of how mass and weight differ and how gravity affects them.
Check for Understanding
Conduct a class discussion to review key concepts and answer any questions students may have about mass, weight, and gravity.
Review and Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on what they have learned by writing a short paragraph describing how their understanding of mass and weight has changed.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Forces and Interactions' assessment to evaluate students' grasp of the concepts covered in the unit.
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