Lesson: The Power of Gravity - Gravitrax Lesson

Explore the power of gravity through the Gravitrax building kit. Gravitrax is a modular track system that challenges children to using critical thinking skill and problem-solving skills to create their own marble runs.

ravensburger.us

Materials

• Gravitrax XXL Starter Set (multiple sets for a class)
• Gravitrax Trampoline Accessory (optional)
• 17 quart storage bin with lid for easy storage (optional)

Discussion

Begin by discussion facts about gravity. Some ideas are:

• Ocean tides happen because of the moon’s gravity
• Gravity is stronger at the earth’s poles than it is at the equator because of the rotation of the earth.
• Gravity is measured as how fast objects accelerate towards each other. The average gravitational pull of the Earth is 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s2)
• The higher you are in altitude the less you weigh since you are farther from the earth’s core. The difference is very small.

Challenge

Begin by showing each piece of the Gravitrax kit and their purpose. Students may use the instruction manual and blue prints at first to get a better understanding of how it works. Once they are familiar, challenge them build a run that will keep the marble in motion the longest. Discuss at the end which techniques worked and which didn’t.