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Easy Gravity Experiments For Kids

Why do things fall to the ground when you let go of them? It’s all to do with gravity! Learn about what gravity is with a simple definition and everyday examples of gravity. Explore simple physics with easy, hands-on experiments kids will love. From falling objects, balancing apples, and even an egg drop challenge, enjoy these fun gravity  science projects  for kids!

What is Gravity?

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward each other. It’s why things fall to the ground when you drop them. On Earth, gravity pulls everything toward the planet’s center, so we stay on the ground instead of floating into space!

Gravity also keeps the planets in our solar system orbiting around the sun. The bigger something is, the stronger its gravity. So, Earth’s gravity is much stronger than the gravity of a small object like a ball, but not as strong as the sun’s gravity. Gravity affects everything around us, even though we can’t see it!

Have you ever watched a NASA video of an astronaut floating around inside his/her ship?

Galileo and Gravity

Galileo Galilei was a famous scientist who helped us understand how gravity works. He discovered that gravity is a force that pulls objects down toward the ground.

One of his famous experiments was when he dropped two objects of different weights from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to see if they would fall at the same speed. To everyone’s surprise, they did!

Galileo showed that gravity pulls all objects equally, no matter how heavy. This idea changed the way people thought about gravity and led to many important discoveries about how things move.

Ball Drop Experiment

• Two objects of different weights (like a small ball and a larger book)
• A chair or a step stool (to stand on safely)

What to do:

• Stand on the chair or stool (make sure you’re being safe!).
• Hold the two objects—one in each hand—at the same height.
• Drop both objects at the same time.
• Watch closely! Did they hit the ground at the same time?

What happens: Just like in Galileo’s experiment, you’ll see that both objects, even though they have different weights, should fall and hit the ground at the same time. This shows that gravity pulls objects to the ground at the same rate, no matter how heavy they are!

Everyday Examples of Gravity

Here are 15 everyday examples of gravity that are easy for kids to understand:

• Falling Objects: When you drop a ball, it falls to the ground because of gravity.
• Jumping: When you jump up, gravity pulls you back down to the Earth.
• Walking: Gravity helps you stay on the ground while you walk.
• Sitting: You stay in your chair because gravity keeps you down.
• Climbing: Climbing a ladder or a tree is harder because gravity pulls you down.
• Bouncing: When you bounce on a trampoline, gravity brings you back down.
• Swinging: Swinging on a swing set is possible because gravity pulls you back towards the Earth.
• Driving: Your car stays on the road because of gravity.
• Eating: Because of gravity, your food stays on your plate and in your mouth.
• Pouring Drinks: Gravity helps the liquid flow from a cup when you tip it.
• Throwing a Ball: Gravity makes the ball come back down after you throw it in the air.
• Rolling a Ball: A rolling ball eventually stops because of friction, but gravity helps it move downhill.
• Riding a Bike: You can stay balanced on a bike because gravity helps keep the tires on the ground.
• Water Flow: Water flows downhill because of gravity, which is why rivers and streams exist.
• Kite Flying: Gravity keeps the kite from flying too high, and the tension in the string is balanced by gravity pulling it downward.

Can you think of any more examples of gravity?

Free Gravity Information and Activity Pack

Get up and test gravity for yourself with a free gravity activity pack ! Share this information guide, quick activity, and gravity coloring sheet with your kids!

12 Gravity Experiments To Try

Here are 12 gravity science experiments that are great for elementary school kids. Learn about gravity and its effects in a fun and hands-on way.

You may also want to explore: Air Resistance Projects

Dropping Objects

Gather various objects of different weights and sizes (e.g., a feather, a paperclip, a small ball). Have kids predict which object will hit the ground first when dropped simultaneously and then test their predictions.

Paper Airplane Challenge

Have kids create paper airplanes of different sizes and shapes. Let them fly the planes and observe how gravity affects their flight paths differently based on their designs. See how to make a paper airplane launcher.

Falling Rates

Use a ruler or a measuring tape to drop different objects from the same height and measure the time it takes for them to reach the ground. Compare the falling rates of various objects.

Balloon Rocket

Attach a string to a balloon and tape the other end to a straw. Inflate the balloon and then release it. Observe how the air escaping from the balloon propels the straw in the opposite direction due to Newton’s Third Law of Motion.

Coin and Card Drop

Place a playing card on the edge of a table and let half of it hang over the edge. Hold a coin over the card’s hanging part and let it go. The card will fall due to gravity, but the coin’s rapid descent might surprise the kids as they learn about mass and air resistance .

Design A Parachute

Explore how mostly the forces of gravity and air resistance (also known as drag), slow down the descent of an object or person using a simple parachute. Vary the shape, size or material of the parachute and measure what happens.

Build A Pipeline

Make your own pipeline that will transport water from the main tank to a smaller tank using an incline. Observe how the moves because of gravity.

Water Upward

Fill a glass with water and place a piece of cardboard on top. Hold the cardboard and glass firmly together, then quickly turn the glass upside down. The water will stay inside the glass due to air pressure, demonstrating the balance between gravity and air pressure.

Rolling Race

Set up a ramp using books or a board. Have kids release different objects (marbles, toy cars) from the top of the ramp and see which one reaches the bottom first. Discuss how gravity affects the speed of rolling objects. See how to set it up with toy cars , pumpkins , apples and plastic Easter eggs .

Gravity-Powered Pendulum Painting

Attach a small container with paint to the bottom of a pendulum (a string with a weight at the end). Set the pendulum in motion and observe how it creates unique patterns on a piece of paper beneath it.

Crumpled Paper Drop

Crumple two pieces of paper into balls, one larger and one smaller. Drop them both at the same time and discuss how their sizes and air resistance affect their falling speed.

Balancing Act

Have kids experiment with balancing different objects on their fingertips. Discuss how the weight and shape of objects affect their balance due to the force of gravity. Have fun balancing animal puppets , mobile of paper shapes , pumpkins , and paper apples .

Egg Drop Challenge

Provide kids with materials like straws, rubber bands, tape, and newspapers. Challenge them to design a structure that will protect a raw egg when dropped from a certain height, demonstrating how objects experience less impact force when they have more time to slow down (larger parachutes or cushioning). See our egg drop ideas for younger and older students.

Water Wheel

Build a simple water wheel using a plastic container, a stick, and a paper cup. Place the water wheel under a steady stream of water and observe how gravity causes the wheel to turn. See how to build a simple water wheel here.

Have younger kiddos? Check out these fun gravity activities for preschool and kindergarten.

The Most Famous Gravity Experiment

Sir Isaac Newton is famous for many contributions to physics, and his experiments with gravity are among his most renowned works. One of the key experiments associated with Newton’s study of gravity is often called the “Newton’s Falling Apple,” which is a story rather than a controlled experiment.

According to the legend, Newton was sitting under an apple tree in his garden when he saw an apple fall to the ground. This event got him thinking about the force that caused the apple to fall. Newton realized that the same force, gravity, was responsible for the apple’s fall and the motion of bodies in space like the Moon and planets.

While this story is well-known, it’s important to note that it wasn’t a formal experiment. However, Newton conducted a series of experiments and observations to develop his laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. These experiments and observations included:

• Prism Experiments: Newton’s experiments with prisms and light led to his groundbreaking work on optics, which is separate from gravity but an important part of his overall scientific contributions. See Newton’s color wheel spinner.
• Mathematical Calculations: Newton used mathematics to formulate his laws of motion and universal gravitation. He developed the mathematics of calculus to help describe and predict the behavior of objects under the influence of gravity.
• Kepler’s Laws: Newton built upon Johannes Kepler’s laws of planetary motion to develop his laws of universal gravitation. Kepler’s work was based on extensive astronomical observations.

So, while there isn’t a specific experiment directly related to the falling apple, Newton’s contributions to our understanding of gravity are based on a combination of observations, mathematical calculations, and experiments.

Have fun with physics! Check out our complete list of easy physics experiments.

Grab your FREE printable science worksheets!

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Join us in the Club

More Physical Science Activities

• Light Experiments
• Magnet Activities
• Simple Machine Projects
• Potential & Kinetic Energy
• Static Electricity
• Surface Tension Experiments

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

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Gravity Experiments for Kids

July 5, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

These gravity experiments are all fantastic demonstrations of gravity and a great way to learn about Isaac Newton and Galileo ‘s famous discoveries. If you enjoy them, do check our my book This IS Rocket Science which is full of exciting space activities demonstrating how rockets overcome gravity and other forces to launch into space followed by a tour of the solar system with an activity for each planet.

What is Gravity?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the Earth. It’s the reason we walk on the ground rather than float around.

Gravity also holds Earth and the other planets in their orbits around the Sun.

Did you know – gravity exists on the Moon but it is not as strong as on Earth, which is why astronauts can jump higher on the Moon than on Earth. This article from ScienceAlert tells you how high you could jump on each planet in the Solar System compared to Earth.

Great Gravity Experiments for Kids

Galileo and gravity.

Galileo was a famous scientist in the 16th and 17th Century. His most famous observation was that two objects of the same size but slightly different mass (how much “stuff” it is made of) hit the ground at the same time, as far as he could tell, if they are dropped from the same height. This happens because the acceleration due to gravity is the same for both objects and that actually this acceleration has nothing to do with the mass of an object. This fact has been demonstrated many times, even on the moon with a feather and a hammer.

Back on our air-filled planet, if a feather and a ball are dropped from the same height they clearly do fall at different rates. This is because gravity is not the only force acting on the falling object, air resistance is also a factor and that does depend on quite a few properties of the object and the fluid it is falling in. This does include its mass, the surface area and how fast it is moving. The feather suffers a lot here being so light and having a much greater surface area.

Galileo dropped two balls of different weights but the same size off the Leaning Tower of Pisa, giving a hint that the mass of an object doesn’t affect how fast it falls.

However if a ball and feather are dropped in a vacuum , where there is no air resistance as there’s no air, the ball and feather will fall together and hit the ground at the same time.

Bottle Drop Experiment

Following on from the ball and feather experiment another great example of Galileo’s discovery is to half fill one plastic bottle and leave another ( the same size ) empty. If dropped from the same height they will hit the ground at the same time!

Issac Newton and Gravity

According to legend Issac Newton was sitting under an apple tree when an apple fell on his head, which made him wonder why if fell to the ground.

Newton published the Theory of Universal Gravitation in the 1680s, setting out the idea that gravity was a force acting on all matter. His theory of gravity and laws of motion are some of the most important discoveries in science and have shaped modern physics.

Film Canister Rocket

A film canister rocket is a fantastic demonstration of all three of Newton’s Laws of Motion , but it falls back to the ground thanks to gravity.

Water powered bottle rockets are another great fun example of gravity and lots of other forces too!

Defy gravity with a magnet

Did you know you can defy gravity using magnets. We love this activity as you can theme it however you want. Your floating object could be a spaceship in space, a flower growing towards the sun or even a plane in the sky.

The magnet holds the paperclip in the air as if it’s floating!

Straw Rockets – Gravity Experiment

Create your own straw rockets and launch at different angles to investigate how the trajectory changes. Of course these don’t have to be rockets, they could be anything you want, so get creative!

Parachutes are another great gravity experiment and perfect for learning about air resistance too!

Marble Runs

A DIY marble run is another hands on way to demonstrate gravity. Can you build one where the ball has enough energy to move uphill?

DIY Sling Shot

Finally, a simple slingshot is a brilliant and simple STEM project and perfect for learning about gravity as a shower of pom poms fall to the ground!

Last Updated on May 25, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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Top 10 Gravity Experiments: Fun & Easy

Blow your mind with these easy and amazing gravity experiments!

Do you need a creative and engaging way to introduce students to the idea of gravity? Look not more than this collection of gravity experiments that students and teachers can perform in the classroom.

We’ve assembled a variety of experiments suitable for different age groups, covering concepts such as gravitational force, mass, weight, and free-fall motion. These hands-on, enlightening activities will not only help you grasp the fundamental principles of gravity but also ignite a lifelong fascination with physics.

1. Gravity-Defying Water Experiment

Students can learn more about the concepts of surface tension and the effects of gravity on liquids while having fun and being creative by trying out the gravity-defying water experiment.

2. Finding the Center of Gravity

The finding of the center of gravity experiment is an excellent way to introduce kids to the concept of balance and gravitational laws. These experiments also provide students with practical experience in learning the significance of the center of gravity in determining an object’s stability.

3. Anti-Gravity Galaxy in a Bottle

The anti-gravity galaxy in a bottle experiment is an engaging and innovative way to introduce children to the concepts of density and liquid characteristics.

Students can create a container that appears to defy gravity and gives the appearance of a galaxy by filling it with a vibrant mixture of glitter, oil, and water.

Learn more: Anti-Gravity Galaxy in a Bottle

4. Pool Noodle Marble Run

The pool noodle marble run gravity experiment is a fun and engaging way to teach students about the properties of gravity and motion.

In this experiment, students will create a track made from pool noodles and other materials to guide a marble as it travels from the top of the track to the bottom.

Learn more: Make a Pool Noodle Marble Run for Kids

5. Gravity Water Cup Drop

The water cup drop experiment teaches students about the laws of gravity and the effects of air resistance on falling items in a simple yet entertaining way. Students will perform this experiment by dropping a cup of water from a height and watching it fall.

6. Balloon Gravity Experiments

A creative and entertaining way to teach students about the force of gravity and its effects on objects is through the balloon gravity experiment.

By trying out these experiments, students can improve their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills while also learning more about the fundamentals of science.

7. DIY Balance Scales

Making your own balancing scales is a creative and engaging approach to introduce pupils to the ideas of stability and balance. Students can improve their sense of balance and coordination by carefully arranging the objects in this activity and adjusting their position and orientation.

Learn more: DIY Balance Scales

8. How to Make a Bottle Rocket

Making a bottle rocket for a gravity experiment is a fun and educational approach to teach students about the laws of physics and how gravity affects moving things. Students will use a plastic bottle, water, and pressured air to design and build a rocket during this project.

Learn more: How to Make a Bottle Rocket

9. Parachute Egg Drop Experiment

A fun and instructive technique to teach students about the fundamentals of physics and the science of aerodynamics is to try the parachute egg drop experiment. Students will design and build a parachute for this project.

This activity is a great bonus to any scientific curriculum because it is suited to different age groups and ability levels.

Learn more: Parachute Egg Drop Experiment

10. Putting Together the Gravity 

Putting together the gravity experiment is an exciting and educational way to teach students about the fundamental principles of physics and gravity.

In this experiment, students will design and create a setup that demonstrates the effects of gravity on different objects.

Learn more: Putting Together the Gravity

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• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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Simple Gravity Experiments

Gravity is a fundamental part of nature that keeps our feet planted firmly on the ground. This unseen force is responsible for tides, keeping Earth from careening into the darkness of space, and for causing food to hit the kitchen floor when it slips from your hand. Though invisible, gravity's effects can be observed by performing simple and easy-to-do experiments.

Galileo's Experiment

Named after the scientist who is popularly believed (though not verified) to have performed this experiment, it involves taking two objects of different sizes and weights and dropping them to see which one hits the ground first. As the Earth's gravity affects objects at the same rate regardless of their weight, without air resistance the objects should hit the ground at the same time. Try this with different objects with varying weights and air resistance and observe its effects.

The Spinning Bucket

Showing the relation between motion and gravity, for this experiment you need a bucket with water and someone with a strong arm to spin it. In theory, when the bucket turns upside down the water should come spilling out as gravity pulls it downwards. Spinning it fast enough, the water tends to keep going in a straight line, counteracting the pull of gravity and thus wedging it to the end of the bucket, preventing the natural pull of gravity from spilling the water. This is why this effect, called "centrifugal force" is often referred to as artificial gravity.

The Hole in the Cup

For this experiment you need a paper cup and some water. Poke a hole in the cup and cover it with a finger; fill the cup with water. Take your finger from the hole and notice the water spills out. Though gravity pulls down both objects, only water moves freely (because you're holding the cup); thus, gravity forces the water out. Fill the cup again and drop it to the ground. Now that both objects are free to move, they drop at the same speed so the water isn't forced out of the hole.

Center of Gravity

A center of gravity experiment can be done quite easily; all that is required is a pencil or pen and your finger. Try to balance the pen at different positions on your finger until you reach the point where it doesn't fall off. This is the center of gravity of the pen, the point in which its weight averages out and, if it were in a weightless environment, the point at which it can freely rotate. Put on the cap and try to balance it again. As the weight of an object changes, so does its center of gravity.

• Kids Science Experiments: Spinning Bucket of Water
• Discovery Channel: Gravity Gets You Down
• NASA: Center of Gravity

Cite This Article

Johnson, Steve. "Simple Gravity Experiments" sciencing.com , https://www.sciencing.com/simple-gravity-experiments-8555558/. 24 April 2017.

Johnson, Steve. (2017, April 24). Simple Gravity Experiments. sciencing.com . Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/simple-gravity-experiments-8555558/

Johnson, Steve. Simple Gravity Experiments last modified March 24, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/simple-gravity-experiments-8555558/

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Science Experiments for Kids: Learning About Gravity

Up, up, and away: fun and easy gravity experiments for kids.

Table of Contents

Amaze your friends and family with a science show. Ask your audience to predict the outcome of each of these easy science experiments about gravity .

All objects on Earth are pulled toward the planet’s center by the force of gravity. Gravity is the force that makes a basketball swish through a hoop. Gravity is the force that makes your glass of juice crash to the floor when it slips out of your hand. Gravity is the force that keeps your feet on the ground when you go for a walk. As Judy Breckenridge points out in Simple Physics Experiments with Everyday Materials, “Without gravity we would all float off into outer space.” Hooray for gravity!

In this post, we will share some of the best gravity experiments that you can do with your kids, using everyday materials that you can find at home. From balloon rockets to pendulum painting, these experiments will keep your kids entertained and educated all at once. Get ready to inspire your little ones with the wonder of science!

Quick Introduction to Gravity

Gravity is the force by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its center. The force of gravity keeps all of the planets in orbit around the sun . Earth’s gravity is what keeps you on the ground and what makes things fall. It’s what holds the atmosphere in place so we can breathe and it’s what allows us to use rockets to launch into space.

Gravity is a fundamental force of nature that is present everywhere in the universe. It is what gives objects weight and is responsible for the motion of planets, stars, and galaxies. Without gravity, the universe as we know it would not exist.

Understanding the basics of gravity is important for many areas of science, including physics, astronomy, and engineering. By conducting simple gravity experiments, kids can learn about this fascinating force of nature in a fun and engaging way. From exploring how gravity affects different objects to create their own mini-gravity wells, there are many exciting experiments that kids can do to learn more about this fundamental force.

Science Experiment: Dropping objects of different weights

Experiment 1: Dropping objects of different weights is a classic gravity experiment that teaches kids about mass and gravity. All you need for this experiment are a few objects of different weights, like a feather, a rock, and a rubber ball, and a place to drop them from, like a balcony or a staircase.

Start by asking your child what they think will happen when they drop each object. Will the heavier object fall faster or slower than the lighter object? Then, drop each object one by one and observe what happens.

You’ll find that all objects fall at the same rate, regardless of their weight. This is because gravity pulls all objects towards the earth at the same acceleration rate , which is 9.8 meters per second squared. You can explain this to your child by saying that the earth’s gravity pulls all objects towards it with the same force, so they all fall at the same rate.

You can also ask your child to try dropping the objects from different heights and see if that affects the way they fall. This will give them a better understanding of how gravity works and how it affects objects. This experiment is a great way to introduce your child to science and to help them understand the world around them.

Science Experiment: Making a gravity well

A gravity well is a concept that is used to represent the way gravity affects the path of objects in space. In this experiment, your child will learn how gravity works by creating a visual representation of a gravity well.

Materials needed:

• A large, flat container (such as a baking tray)
• A small ball (such as a marble)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

• Pour a thin layer of flour into the flat container, making sure it covers the entire surface.
• Place the small ball in the center of the container.
• If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the flour around the ball.
• Use your fingers to gently press down on the flour around the ball, creating a depression in the flour. The depression should be deepest around the ball and gradually become shallower as you move away from the ball.
• Observe how the ball remains in the center of the depression you created in the flour. This is because the flour represents the fabric of space-time and the ball is pulled towards the center by the force of gravity.

To take the experiment further, you can try adding more balls to the container and observe how they behave differently depending on their mass and distance from the center of gravity well. This experiment is a great way to introduce your child to the fascinating concept of gravity and spark their curiosity about the world around them.

Science Experiment: Magnets to simulate gravity

Using magnets to simulate gravitational pull can be a fun and interactive way to teach kids about gravity. In this experiment, you’ll need a few simple materials such as a magnet, paper clips, and a thin piece of string.

First, tie the string to the magnet and then attach a few paper clips to the other end of the string. Next, hold the magnet above one of the paper clips and release it. You’ll notice that the paper clip is attracted to the magnet and will follow it as it falls. This is similar to how gravity works, as objects with more mass are attracted to each other.

You can also use this experiment to show how different objects with varying masses will be affected by gravity. Try attaching different objects to the string, such as a feather, a coin, and a small toy car. You’ll notice that the magnet has a stronger pull on the coin and car due to their greater mass, while the feather will not be affected as much because it has less mass.

This experiment is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of gravity in a fun and interactive way. It can also be a starting point for further discussions about the laws of physics and the universe around us.

Science Experiment: Making a simple pendulum

Making a simple pendulum is a fun and easy way to learn about gravity and motion. For this experiment, you will need a few simple materials:

• A piece of string or thread
• A small weight, such as a paperclip or washer
• A sturdy surface to attach the string

To make your pendulum, tie the string around your weight and attach the other end to your sturdy surface. You can use a table, a chair, or any other surface that won’t move around too much.

Once your pendulum is set up, give it a gentle push to set it swinging. Watch how it moves back and forth, and notice how the speed and direction of the pendulum change.

To make your experiment even more fun, try changing the length of the string or the weight of the pendulum. How does this affect the way the pendulum moves? Can you predict how the pendulum will behave based on these changes?

Making a simple pendulum is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of gravity and motion. Plus, it’s a fun and easy experiment that can be done with materials you probably already have at home.

Science Experiment: Gravity and Air Resistance

Before performing this experiment, show your audience a shoe and a flat piece of notebook or copy paper. Explain that you will be dropping both objects from the same height. Then ask your audience these questions:

• Who thinks the shoe will hit the floor first?
• Who thinks the paper will hit the floor first?
• Who thinks both objects will hit the floor at the same time?

Experiment:

• Hold the shoe in one hand and the paper in the other.
• Hold both objects high in front of you at equal heights.
• Release both objects at the same time.

Observation: The shoe hits the floor first.

Explanation: Because of the paper’s shape, its fall is slowed by air pushing up against its under-surface – this slowing effect is called air resistance.

Science Experiment: Effect of Gravity on Plant Growth

One of the most interesting aspects of gravity is its effect on living organisms. In this experiment, we’ll be looking at how gravity affects plant growth.

To start, you’ll need to gather some materials. You’ll need:

• 2 identical plants
• 2 identical pots
• Begin by filling both pots with soil and planting one of your plants in each pot.
• Water them both thoroughly and place them side by side in a sunny location.
• Now comes the fun part. Take one of the pots and place it on its side. This will cause the plant inside to be growing at a 90-degree angle to the ground. Leave the other pot standing upright.
• Over the next few weeks, observe the growth of both plants. Measure their height using the ruler and take note of any other differences you can see.

What you should find is that the plant growing at a 90-degree angle to the ground will grow differently than the plant growing upright. This is because gravity plays an important role in how plants grow. The plant growing on its side will have to work harder to grow against the pull of gravity, resulting in a different growth pattern than the one growing normally.

This experiment is a great way to teach kids about the effects of gravity on living organisms and can lead to further discussions about how gravity affects everything from trees to humans. Have fun experimenting!

Science Experiment: Gravity and Weight

Before performing this experiment, show your audience the shoe and the piece of paper crumpled into a ball. Explain that you will be dropping both objects from the same height. Then ask your audience these questions:

• Who thinks the paper ball will hit the floor first?
• Hold the shoe in one hand and the paper ball in the other.

Observation: The shoe and the paper ball hit the floor at the same time.

Explanation: Even though the earth exerts more pull on a heavier object, a lighter object experiences a greater degree of acceleration, meaning that it moves at a greater speed. Consequently, objects of different weights fall at the same rate when other forces such as air resistance are not a factor.

Science Experiment: Center of Gravity

Now it’s time for audience participation in your science show. Ask for volunteers for each of these exercises involving the center of gravity:

Pick up a penny

Ask a volunteer to stand against a wall with his feet together, heels pressed against the wall. Place a penny about one foot away on the floor in front of him. Ask him to pick up the penny without moving his feet or bending his knees. Can he do it?

Lift your left foot

Ask a volunteer to stand with her right side against a wall, pressing her right foot and cheek against it. Instruct her to lift her left foot off the floor. Can she do it?

Jump forward

Ask a volunteer to bend forward and grab his toes, keeping his knees slightly bent. Tell him to jump forward without letting go of his toes. Can he do it?

Ask a volunteer to sit in a straight-backed chair. Tell her to keep her back straight, her feet flat on the floor, and her arms folded across her chest. Then ask her to stand up. Can she do it?

Observation: Because all of these tasks restrict the center of gravity, it’s almost impossible for a person to perform any of them.

Explanation: As far as gravity is concerned, the weight of an object is concentrated at a single center point. The center of gravity for an object with a regular shape – the Earth, for example – is located at its geometric center. However, in irregularly shaped objects – the human body , for instance – the center of gravity moves around. If you try to shift too far away from your center of gravity, you’ll lose your balance.

Share Fun Science Experiments With Family and Friends

Learning new things about the world around you is fun and exciting. It’s even more fun when you share your discoveries with your family and friends. Gravity is just one of the interesting forces of nature – there are many more to explore and share.

Final thoughts on teaching kids about gravity

Gravity is a fascinating concept that has been studied and explored by scientists for centuries. Teaching kids about gravity can be a fun and engaging way to introduce them to the wonders of science and the natural world around them.

By conducting simple experiments and activities, kids can learn about the basic principles of gravity and how it affects the world around us. From dropping objects of different weights to observing how objects fall at the same rate, there are endless ways to explore this fascinating force.

Not only can teaching kids about gravity be fun, but it can also help to develop their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and scientific knowledge. By encouraging kids to ask questions and explore the world around them, we can inspire a love of learning and an appreciation for science that can last a lifetime.

Teaching kids about gravity can be a fun and rewarding experience for both children and adults alike. By providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and discovery, we can help kids develop a lifelong love of science and learning. So, let’s get started and see where the wonders of gravity take us!

• Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta. Championship Science Fair Projects . NY: Sterling Publishing, 2004.
• Breckenridge, Judy. Simple Physics Experiments with Everyday Materials . NY: Sterling Publishing, 1993.
• Cobb, Vicki. Bet You Can’t! NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1980.

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27 Gravity Activities For Elementary Students: Experiments And Resources

December 28, 2023 //  by  Alison Vrana

The concept of gravity is one of the core concepts that are taught in elementary science classes. Students also need to be able to understand how gravity works in order to move on to upper-level science classes like physics. The lessons, activities, and gravity science experiments below teach kids how gravity and motion work in tandem. These lessons are aimed at creating life-long science interests so check out our 27 amazing activities that’ll help you do just that! 

1. Watch “How Gravity Works For Kids”

This animated video is perfect to start a unit. The video explains gravity in simple science vocabulary that students can understand. As an added bonus, this video can be shared with absent students so they don’t get behind.

Learn More: YouTube

2. DIY Balance Scales

This science activity can be used to teach motion and gravity at any age. Using hangars, cups, and other household items, students will have to determine which items balance and which items are heavier than others. Teachers can then talk about the relationship between weight and gravity.

Learn More: Go Science Kids

3. Egg Drop Experiment

The egg drop experiment is a student-friendly science activity for elementary students. There are different ways to complete the experiment which include building a paper cradle or using a balloon drop to protect the egg. Kids will love trying to protect their eggs as they’re dropped from a high vantage point.

Learn More: Science Sparks

4. Gravity Drop

This gravity drop activity is super simple and requires very little prep from the teacher. Students will drop different items and test how each item falls. 

Learn More: Stay At Home Educator

5. Marble Maze

The marble maze is a hands-on science investigation task that will teach kids about gravity and motion. Kids will build different mazes and observe how the marble travels through the maze based on different ramp heights.

Learn More: Investors Of Tomorrow

6. DIY Gravity Well

The DIY gravity well is a quick demonstration that students can complete at a learning center or as a group in class. Using a strainer, students can observe how an object travels from the top to the bottom. This great lesson also doubles as an opportunity to teach about speed.

7. Superhero Gravity Experiment

Kids will love combining their favorite superheroes with learning. In this experiment, children work in partners to experiment with how to make their superhero “fly”. They learn about different heights and textures to see how gravity helps the superhero move through the air.

Learn More: Teaching Ideas

8. Anti-Gravity Galaxy in a Bottle

This activity demonstrates how gravity and water work. Teachers can also connect this demonstration to the idea of friction. Students will make an “anti-gravity” galaxy in a bottle to see how glitter floats in the water.

Learn More: One Little Project

9. Gravity Book Read-aloud

Reading aloud is a great way to start the day or start a new unit with your elementary learners. There are several helpful books about gravity that kids will love. These books also explore science concepts like friction, motion, and other core ideas.

Learn More: CBC Public Library

10. Balancing Stick Sidekick Activity

This is a super simple activity that helps introduce kids to the concepts of balance and gravity. Teachers will give each student a popsicle stick, or a similar item, and have them try to balance the stick on their fingers. As students experiment, they will learn how to balance the sticks.

Learn More: Hands-On As We Grow

11. G is for Gravity Experiment

This is another good activity to introduce the concept of gravity in your primary classroom. Give your students a bunch of different objects of varying weights and sizes. The students will then drop them from a designated height whilst timing the drop with a stopwatch. What a fun way to learn how gravity relates to mass!

Learn More: PBS

12. Large Tube Gravity Experiment

This activity is a fun idea to introduce students to friction, motion, and gravity. Kids will experiment with how to get a car to travel faster down the tube. As students try different tube heights they will record real-time student data for their experiment.

13. Splat! Painting

This art lesson is a simple way to incorporate a cross-curricular lesson that teaches gravity. Students will use paint and different objects to see how the paint creates different shapes with the help of gravity.

Learn More: Fun A Day

14. Gravity Defying Beads

In this activity, students will use beads to demonstrate the concepts of inertia, momentum, and gravity. The beads are a fun tactile resource for this experiment, and as an added bonus, they make noise which adds to the appeal of a visual and auditory lesson.

Learn More: The Chaos And The Clutter

15. The Great Gravity Escape

This lesson is good for upper elementary students or advanced students who need more enrichment. The activity uses a water balloon and string to see how gravity can create an orbit. Teachers can then apply this concept to space crafts and planets.

Learn More: Teach Engineering

16. Center of Gravity

This lesson requires only a few resources and little preparation. Students will experiment with gravity and balance to discover different items’ centers of gravity. This hands-on experiment is super simple but teaches kids a lot about core gravity concepts.

Learn More: Teacher Source Blog

17. Gravity Spinner Craft

This gravity craft is a great lesson to wrap up your science unit. Kids will use common classroom resources to make a spinner that is controlled by gravity. This a fun way to bring science concepts to life for young learners.

Learn More: Teach Beside Me

18. The Spinning Bucket

This lesson shows the relationship between gravity and motion. A strong person will spin a bucket full of water and students will see how the motion of the bucket affects the trajectory of the water.

Learn More: Sciencing

19. Hole in the Cup

This activity demonstrates how objects in motion together stay in motion together. Teachers will use a cup with a hole at the bottom filled with water to demonstrate how the water will come out of the cup when the teacher is holding it because of gravity. If the teacher drops the cup, the water won’t spill out of the hole because the water and the cup are dropping together.

20. Water Defying Gravity

This is a cool experiment that seemingly defies gravity. All you need is a glass filled with water, an index card, and a bucket. The lesson will demonstrate how gravity affects objects differently to create the illusion of anti-gravity.

Learn More: Kidz Search

21. Gravity Painting

This crafty activity is another great way to incorporate gravity into a cross-curricular activity. Students will use paint and straws to create their very own gravity painting. This is perfect for 3rd- 4th-grade science class.

Learn More: Curiodyssey

22. Bottle Blast Off!

Kids will love building their own rockets using just air to launch them. Teachers can help students understand how rockets are able to travel into the sky despite gravity. This lesson requires a lot of student direction, but they will remember what they learn for a lifetime!

Learn More: Exploratorium

23. Falling Feather

5th-grade science teachers will love this experiment. Students will observe how objects fall at different accelerations if resistance in the air is present versus falling at the same acceleration if there is no resistance.

24. A Pencil, Fork, and Apple Experiment

This experiment uses just three objects to demonstrate how weight and gravity interact. Students will be able to visualize how the objects are able to balance because of gravity. This experiment is best conducted if the teacher demonstrates it at the front of the class for all to see.

Learn More: Kid Minds

25. Watch 360 Degree Zero Gravity

This video is great to incorporate into a gravity unit. Students will love seeing how zero gravity affects people and what astronauts look like in space.

26. Magnetism and Defying Gravity

This science experiment uses paper clips and magnets to help students determine if magnetism or gravity is stronger. Students will use their observation skills to determine which force is stronger before stating why.  

Learn More: Education

27. Textured Ramps

In this cool science activity, students will use different ramp heights and the variable of ramp texture to see how gravity and friction affect speed. This is another experiment that’s great for science centers or as a whole class demonstration.

Learn More: Teach Junkie

Most Popular Activity: STRAW ROCKETS

Most Popular Activity: Straw Rockets

Easy Science Experiments for Kids: Gravity Activity with Paperclips

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This easy science experiment is a fun way to demonstrate the concept of gravity to young children. You’ll just need a few supplies, including paperclips and magnets, to take part in this cool science activity!

This activity correlates with NGSS: Disciplinary Core Idea PS2.B.

Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!

Here’s a fun way for young children to explore gravity. Kids will first observe how gravity is always pulling objects toward the Earth by using paperclips and string. Then the super cool part- children will use magnets to explore how gravity can easily be overcome by other forces- almost like defying gravity! (This post contains affiliate links.)

See it in Action!

Exploring gravity with young children.

Whenever I  invite my kids to participate in  science activities,  my main goal   is  NOT  for them to   master a set concept, but simply to allow them to explore the activity in their own way. Giving this freedom to children inspires them to make predictions and critically think about the world around them in a pressure-free setting.  

What exactly is gravity?

Gravity is a force that tries to pull two objects toward each other.  Earth’s gravity is what keeps you on the ground, what causes objects to fall, and is why the objects fall down rather than up!

Materials for Gravity Experiment

• Small dowel or stick
• Strong magnets (Use either neodymium magnets .5 inch or bigger or ceramic magnets .75 inch or larger. Regular craft magnets won’t work.)
• Metal ruler (or wooden ruler with tape)
• Blocks, books, or other material for stacking

Important: Not only are small magnets choking hazards, but magnet ingestions pose a serious threat to the health of children. NEVER leave any child unattended with magnets. Never allow any child under 3 to use magnets.

Directions for Gravity Experiment

1. Start by tying some paperclips to pieces of string. Then tie the string onto a small dowel rod or stick.

2. Lift up the dowel rod so the paperclips hang from the string.

• Which direction do the paperclips point?
• What happens if you tilt the stick? 

Theo was amazed to observe that no matter which way he tilted the stick or how steep an angle he tilted the stick, the paperclips always pointed right down at the ground!

We talked about how the Earth’s gravity is what holds us and other things to the ground.  The paperclips are being pulled toward the Earth by gravity, but they can’t fall because the string is holding them in the air. No matter which way we tilted the dowel rod, the paperclips were still being pulled straight toward the Earth by gravity.

Next we explored how gravity can easily be overcome by other forces using magnets.

3. Place three magnets along a metal ruler . (If you’re using a wooden ruler, you can tape the magnets to the top.)

4. Suspend the ruler from two stacks of blocks, books, or other materials. Be sure the magnets are facing down.

5. Take the paper clips and string off your dowel rod.

6. Take one paperclip and hold it until it’s just suspended below the first magnet. Tape the string in place onto the table (or whatever surface your activity is on). Do this with the other two paperclips.

7. After taping the strings in place below the magnets, remove the ruler and observe what happens. All the paperclips fall to the ground! We talked about why the paperclips were not going up into the air after we removed the magnets.

8. Put the ruler with magnets back above the paperclips. Slowly lift each paperclip toward each magnet until they are all suspended. The kids were very excited about this demonstration!

We talked about how the magnetic force between the paperclip and magnet were stronger than the pull of the Earth’s gravity on the paperclip, so the paperclip was able to remain in the air rather than fall back to the ground.

Lucy and I came up with other forces that seemed to defy gravity- like static electricity holding strands of hair straight up in the air or how the hot air in a hot-air balloon can lift people off the ground.

Want to go even further?

Even more activities about gravity to inspire creativity and critical thinking for various ages.

•  Use gravity to create this colorful art from Fun-a-Day!
• Explore how air resistance affects gravity in this activity from Science Sparks.
• Make some wooden ramps for toy cars and explore how different angles of the ramps affect the acceleration of the cars.
• Some children’s books about gravity: Gravity is a Mystery ,  The Day Katie McAvity Turned Off Gravity

All activities on Buggy and Buddy are activities I feel are safe for my own children.  Contact your child’s pediatrician for guidance if you are not sure about the safety/age appropriateness of an activity. Never leave your child unattended. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any of these activities on this blog.

Chelsey was previously an elementary teacher for 12 years and is now creating, playing, and learning at home with her two children. You can follow Buggy and Buddy on Twitter or Facebook by clicking on the icons below.

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15+ Preschool Science Experiments that Explore Gravity

August 17, 2016 by Sheryl Cooper

Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: Explore gravity with these 7 fun preschool science experiments ! Activities that include pushing, throwing, and falling – all hands-on and fun!

Have you noticed how preschoolers are fascinated by things that move? Whether it’s pushing, throwing, or falling, they are very into it!

So why not tap into this interest?

Here are 7  fun preschool gravity experiments that you can add to your classroom or home activities , or for weekend fun.

 When talking about gravity with preschoolers, we keep it simple.

During our morning meeting or circle time , we demonstrate what happens if we drop an item.

We notice that it went down instead of up.

We can then try a gravity experiment during small groups, noticing that if we alter the movement or materials, things change.

This is basic and yet fascinating for this age group!

Defy Gravity  – This super cool activity is easy to make with paperclips and magnets. (Buggy and Buddy)

Drip Painting – Discover what happens when watercolors are dropped from the top of a vertical surface.

Galaxy in a Bottle  – The glitter doesn’t fall down, but instead rises as it settles. Crazy! (One Little Project)

Gravity Splatter Art – What happens when you drop something with paint on it?

Exploring Gravity with a Tube – Why does the position of the tube change the speed of the car? (HOAWG)

Exploring Gravity with Balance – Learn how to make a craft stick stand up right on a chopstick. (Rookie Parenting)

Gravity with a Pendulum  – Learn about the forces of motion and gravity by placing paint in swinging pendulum. (Innovation Kids Lab)

Pool Noodle Gravity Play – Explore gravity and slope by making your own pool noodle marble run. (Little Bins for Little Hands)

Ball Dropping Experiment – Drop different types of balls and see which one hits the ground first. (Inspiration Laboratories)

Apple Races – Explore gravity, motion, slopes, and more as they are rolled down plastic rain gutters. (Little Bins for Little Hands)

Water in a Jar Activity – How can you stop water from coming out of a glass when it’s turned upside down? (The Homeschool Scientist)

Bottle Rocket Launch – After making your own bottle rocket, make it launch by pumping air into it. (Science Sparks)

Which One is Heavier – Make your own balance scale and find different objects to weigh. (Go Science Kids)

Parachute Egg Drop Experiment – Learn about gravity and air resistance while dropping an egg using a parachute. (Science Sparks)

Center of Gravity Balancing Activity – This Cat in the Hat inspired activity involves balancing objects on a single point. (Preschool Pool Packets)

Exploring the Effects of Speed – Learn how speed has an effect on the gravitational pull on an object. (JDaniel4’s Mom)

More science for preschoolers:

Rainbow Science Activities

Winter Science Activities

15 Space Activities

Check out our favorite science toys and materials:

More science resources:

Hands-On Preschool STEM Activities

Science Activities that Explore Gravity

10 Science Experiments Preschoolers Love

Check out our science pin board for more fun!

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.