Mississippi Science P.5.6.1

Science5th GradePhysical Science

The Standard

P.5.6: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that affect the motion of an object through a study of Newton's Laws of Motion.

Obtain and communicate information describing gravity's effect on an object.

2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Motions, Forces, and Energy

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students gather information about gravity from a short reading and observations. They use words and arrows to show how Earth pulls on an object.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students show gravity pulling toward Earth even when a ball is rising or a book rests on a desk. They use a fact from a reading or observation to explain their diagram.
Common Misconceptions: Some students think gravity acts only when something is falling, or that it pulls upward on a rising ball. Others think heavier objects always fall faster because they weigh more.
How to Assess It: Give students a short paragraph saying that Earth pulls objects toward its center. Ask them to draw a dropped ball, add a gravity arrow, and explain what happens when it is released.

Lesson moves

Drop a rubber ball onto a tray; students sketch its path and draw gravity arrows before and after it bounces.
Ask, 'Which way does gravity pull a ball after it bounces upward?' Have students write an answer with a labeled sketch.
Give pairs cards showing a tossed ball, a falling leaf, and a book on a desk; they draw gravity arrows on each.
Show a playground slide photo; students trace a child's path and explain how Earth's pull helps the child move down.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to P.5.6.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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