All lessons › Pushes, pulls and falls › Lesson 2
Australian primary science · Years 3–4 · Lesson 2 of 3
Drop test
Inquiry question: Do heavier things fall faster?
Marked no materials needed
Testing an idea
What students learn
Gravity pulls everything down. Without air, heavy and light things fall together. Air resistance slows light, spread-out things like feathers.
Success criteria
- I can make a prediction with a reason.
- I can test it and record what happened.
- I can change my idea using evidence.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know gravity is a non-contact force (lesson 1).
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Forces & energy › Lab › Drop test on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs predict which object in each pair lands first.
- Drop each pair together and record what happened.
- Test three pairs.
- Write one idea you changed.
Teacher modelling prompt
On the big screen predict one pair aloud: “I think the heavy ball lands first because it is heavier.” Drop it. “They landed together, so I need to change my idea.”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: Do heavier things fall faster?
| Pair | Prediction | Which landed first? |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which claim fits all our results?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What force pulls falling things down?
Explain with evidence: Why did the feather fall slowly?
Apply the idea: Why does a parachute help someone land safely?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.