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Listed under:  Science  >  Forces and energy  >  Fundamental forces  >  Gravity
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Aeronautics

This is a resource for educators detailing student learning programs that explore aeronautics, encouraging them to examine the nature of flight and to experience some real-life applications of mathematics, science and technology. The activities are divided into three chapters: Air, Flight and We Can Fly, You and I. Step-by-step ...

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Anatomy of a raindrop

The water cycle is the circulation of water on, in and above Earth and it involves a number of stages and changes of state. This clip describes the water cycle and also how modern technology has contributed to our understanding of the shape of raindrops and its relationship to precipitation. Discover how raindrop shape ...

Interactive

Balanced Forces

Students use this resource consisting of five slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand that balanced forces produce no change in the movement of an object. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

Calculating Moments

Students use this resource consisting of seven slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand the principle of moments and its application to situations involving one pivot. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

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Can We Help?: Effects of g-force on the human body

Peter Rowsthorn visits the Australian International Air Show to answer the question, 'What effect does g-force have on the human body?' Join Pete in the cockpit of a light plane for some aerobatics with pilot David Pilkington. G-force expert Dr David Newman explains the science as Pete endures up to 6 g in the aircraft.

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Catalyst: Applying trigonometry: leaning tower

The Leaning Tower of Gingin is the centrepiece of the Gravity Discovery Centre. The Catalyst team of Derek, Simon and Anja drop watermelons from the tower, to examine the rate at which they fall. They are testing Galileo's theory about falling objects. The dimensions of the tower provide an opportunity to apply some basic ...

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Catalyst: Do heavier things fall faster?

Will a medicine ball or a basketball hit the ground first when dropped at the same time from the same height? In this clip, Catalyst's Dr Derek Muller investigates what influences the speed at which objects fall. Derek challenges some people in a market to make a prediction and explain their thinking, before he finally ...

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Catalyst: The physics of a slinky drop

Imagine holding a slinky by the top end, with the bottom end dangling in mid-air. What do you think would happen when you let it go? Explore the physics of two equal and opposing forces working on an object in this awesome experiment!

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Catalyst: Why do astronauts float in space?

Have you wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut floating around in the International Space Station? In this clip, Catalyst's Dr Derek Muller investigates what causes this weightlessness in space. Derek challenges some people visiting the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney to explain why they think astronauts float. ...

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Different paper plane designs

How many different paper plane designs are there? Lots! Watch as Dylan Parker, paper plane expert, demonstrates some of his favourites. Notice the way the different shapes and features of the planes cause them to move through the air in different ways. Which one do you like the most? Why not have a go at making something similar?

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Do-it-yourself podcast

This resource for educators and students details a do-it-yourself podcast activity that gives students the opportunity to host a show featuring astronauts conducting experiments on the International Space Station, or NASA experts explaining scientific concepts. A set of NASA audio and video clips is provided, along with ...

Video

Effects of gravity

Students use this resource consisting of one page with diagrams of Mars, Earth and Jupiter. Students can select any combination of planets and then 'drop' the crates to note the effects of the different gravity forces because of the different masses of these planets. Students should be able to conclude that gravity is a ...

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Electromagnetic Simulation (sk-Intel)

In this resource students explore how an electromagnet works in real life. They can then apply their learning in an electromagnetism game by changing the magnetism of a scrap lifter in a scrap yard and removing various amounts of scrap. The resource demonstrates the connection between the power applied, the number of coils ...

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Balancing an aluminium can: centre of gravity

Be astounded as you watch Ruben the Surfing Scientist make an aluminium soft drink can balance at 45 degrees and rotate in a circle, as if by magic. Learn about the science behind this trick.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Floating ping pong ball

A ping pong ball usually floats on the surface of water. Watch what happens to a ping pong ball in a tank of water as Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist, experiments with the pressure of the air. (air pressure)

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Friction between paper experiment

Are you strong enough to pull two sheets of paper apart? What about two books with the pages intertwined? Watch this experiment performed by Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist, and find out how he tests the presence of friction between pieces of paper.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Make a lava lamp model using oil and water

Imagine making your very own lava lamp using materials from your kitchen and bathroom. Watch the Surfing Scientist team show you how it can be done, then try and figure out why it works.

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Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Making a mini-rocket

Have you ever seen someone create a rocket using a soft drink bottle? In this clip, Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman attempts to 'supersize science'. You will find out how he made a model rocket and see slow-motion footage of the rocket as it shoots up into the sky.

Interactive

Energy skate park

This is an interactive resource about the potential and kinetic energy changes as a skater rolls around a skate park. Students learn about conservation of energy with a skater, they can build tracks, ramps and jumps for the skater and view the kinetic energy, potential energy and friction as he moves. Students can also ...

Interactive

Energy skate park: basics

This is an interactive teaching and learning resource that years 7 to 10 secondary school students can use to simulate the motion of a skateboarder descending and ascending on a variety of tracks. Height, speed and energy conservation are visually displayed. The skater's mass and starting height, as well as the drag he ...