Gravity and Orbits
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Gravity and Orbits" is written for 6th Grade (Ages 11-12), and it covers NGSS MS-ESS1-2. If your student is a year younger but already steady on Earth and space, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and gravity never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.
2 pages in this set
6th grade science worksheet: explain how gravity and forward motion keep planets in orbit using Newton's cannonball experiment. Answer key included. Part of our gravity earth and space collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Read the text on orbits together and have students point to the arrow for each force on the diagram. For the math sheet, ask students to write the multiplication before they find each weight.
What students will practice
- Students will identify mass and distance as the two things that decide the strength of gravity.
- Students will explain why the planets do not fall straight into the Sun.
- Students will use Newton's cannon thought experiment and an orbit diagram to describe an orbit.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 6th Grade
Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this gravity worksheet?
⌄
Read the text on orbits together and have students point to the arrow for each force on the diagram. For the math sheet, ask students to write the multiplication before they find each weight.
What does this worksheet teach?
⌄
Explain how gravity and forward motion keep planets in orbit using Newton's cannonball experiment. The directions on the page read: Read the text and study the two diagrams. Then answer the questions on page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this gravity worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
⌄
Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade Earth and space, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with gravity. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
What decides how strong gravity is?
⌄
Mass and distance. More mass means a stronger pull, and more distance means a weaker pull.
How do you find your weight on another planet?
⌄
Multiply your Earth weight by that place's gravity factor. On the sheet, a 90 lb student on Mars is 90 × 0.38, or 34.2 lb.
Does your mass change on another planet?
⌄
No. Mass is how much matter you have, and it stays the same everywhere. Only weight changes, because gravity is different from place to place.
Ratings & Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Make a Request
Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.
Worksheet Details
| Grade | 6th Grade |
| Subject | Science |
| Topic | Earth and Space |
| Standard | MS-ESS1-2 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
What is ClassWeekly?
ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids, from preschool up. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.