Why things fall — Physical education, 4–6 years
Earth pulls objects towards the ground, which is why dropped things fall and we stay on the floor.
Idea: Earth pulls down
When we let go of a toy, it usually moves towards the ground. Earth is pulling it down; this pull is called gravity, and it acts on us too, so our feet stay on the floor.
Why falling matters
People noticed that stones, fruit and rain all came down instead of floating away. Understanding this helped them build safely, place objects firmly and know what might happen when something is dropped.
Example: a dropped ball
Hold a ball at shoulder height and let it go without throwing it. First it is still in your hand; next your hand no longer supports it; then gravity pulls it down until it reaches the floor.
Trap: heavier does not fall because it is more eager
It is reasonable to think a heavy object falls faster because it feels harder to lift. But gravity pulls objects down whether they are heavy or light; air can make a flat paper fall more slowly than a small ball.
Use: staying safe
Gravity explains why we use railings on stairs, lids on high shelves and strong fastenings on playground equipment. It also reminds us not to stand under objects that could be dropped from above.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…