Shadows, forces and gravity
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Measure the shadow of a pole or a tall object at three times of the day (with a grown-up, never looking at the Sun). Write the lengths in a table.
Answers differ. The shortest shadow should be near midday, longer ones in the morning and afternoon.
2
List five pushes and five pulls you did today.
Answers differ, for example push a door, pull a drawer, push a swing, pull a bag, push a pedal.
3
A magnet picks up 12 clips on the first try and 9 on the second. How many clips did it pick up altogether?
12 + 9 = 21 clips.
4
Explain why the Moon does not fly away from Earth. Use the words gravity and orbit.
Earth’s gravity pulls on the Moon, so the Moon keeps moving round Earth in an orbit.
5
Write a claim, evidence and reasoning to answer: does gravity only work when objects touch?
Claim: no. Evidence: the Moon stays in orbit around Earth without touching it. Reasoning: gravity is a pull that acts across a distance.