L21 Universal Gravitation

M. Bright Physics 20 LCI | Mon. Nov. 15th/21

Stage 1: Desired Results

Outcomes: Students will explain circular motion, using Newton’s laws of motion (C):
1.7k explain, qualitatively, how Kepler’s laws were used in the development of Newton’s law of
universal gravitation.

Students will explain that gravitational effects extend throughout the universe (B):
2.1k identify the gravitational force as one of the fundamental forces in nature
2.2k describe, qualitatively and quantitatively, Newton’s law of universal gravitation
2.3k explain, qualitatively, the principles pertinent to the Cavendish experiment used to determine
the universal gravitational constant, G
Knowledge/ o Kepler’s laws of motion
Skills o Newton’s law of universal gravitation
𝐺𝑚 𝑚
o 𝐹⃑𝑔 = 𝑑12 2
o Universal gravitational constant, G, as found by Henry Cavendish
o All objects attract each other with a force of gravitational attraction
Learning Students will be able to…
Objectives - Understand how Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, Newton’s law of universal gravitation, and
Cavendish’s universal gravitational constant build upon each other to form the foundation of
our current understanding of gravitation
𝐺𝑚 𝑚
- Solve contextual problems using the law of universal gravitation formula, 𝐹⃑𝑔 = 𝑑12 2

Stage 2: Assessment Evidence

Formative Assessment:
o Observation and conversation of students’ understanding as they work through the homework problems
o Observation and conversation of student understanding as we complete practice problems as a class/during
class discussion

Stage 3: Learning Experience

Prior to Completed lessons 19 & 20 about uniform Resources Digital copy of notes, my copy of the
Lesson: circular motion, completed the quiz last class to Bring: notes, pencils/calculators, formula sheets
Time: Content/Description Notes/Assessments:
1. Before class chat with students, multiple students use the time before class to Mondays have
ask questions about last lesson. Hand out new note packages on their desks. announcements and
5min 2. Settle the class, have notes up on the projector- may take attendance during Oh Canada
announcements
10min 3. Call out student names to come pick up their quiz
a. Reminder: no phones, note common mistakes/what you need to study
before the unit exam
b. Go over stating direction and the theory question

25min 4. Work through Lesson 22 notes:

 L21 Universal Gravitation
M. Bright Physics 20 LCI | Mon. Nov. 15th/21
a. Gravity is one of the 4 fundamental forces of our universe; it is much
more complex than just the force that holds us to Earth. “Gravity must
be understood in terms of its cause, its source, and its far-reaching
implications on the structure and the motion of objects in the
universe”
b. Kepler’s 3 laws of planetary motion developed from the data of Tycho
Brahe
c. Issac Newton’s development to answer the question of how planets
moved as Kepler described- everything has a gravitational force which
is proportional to the masses of the interacting objects and the
distance between them- The Universal Law of Gravitation + equation
d. Approximately 100years later Henry Cavendish completed an
experiment to find the universal gravitational constant, G
i. Possible videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCEhdvnj6A,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11sLusnVZwM
e. Explain 4 example problems (work fully filled in the notes), solving
𝐺𝑚 𝑚
different contextual problems using 𝐹⃑𝑔 = 𝑑12 2
f. Using equations as a guide to thinking: knowing changes to mass If anything is moved
and/or distance, what can we determine about the gravitational force to Tuesday- III using
using the universal law of gravitation equation? – explain example 5 equations to guide
problem thinking, ex 5, PP 3, H
g. What we have found using Newtons law of gravitation, what are its 3
limitations, and how science is a discipline that relies on building from
and with the work of others

10min 5. Complete 3 practice problems as a class, students fill in their notes with the
~9:20 work.
20min 6. Students may work quietly individually or in small groups on the homework
questions – answer questions and work with students
Stage 4: Reflection
1. What went well during the lesson?
 L21 Universal Gravitation
M. Bright Physics 20 LCI | Mon. Nov. 15th/21
2. What did not go well and how can it be changed for next time?

Appendix
See Lesson Notes for what the students have and my additional notes/working through practice
problems
http://structuredindependentlearning.com/lessons/Physics20/unit-4