Grade 5 · lesson 1 of 4

Explain near-Earth gravity

Explain near-Earth gravity using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Supplied materials

All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
Reference card A: direction toward Earth’s center. Reference card B: direction away from Earth’s center.
Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Gravity arrow at top of globe points down.
Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Arrow points away from center.
Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Arrow runs along the surface.
Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Diagram gives no location or key.
Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Gravity arrow at bottom points up toward center.
Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Surface-side arrow points toward center.

Learn the idea

Earth’s gravitational pull acts toward Earth’s center. Down is local, so arrows from different surface positions point inward. Gravity does not require air or touching.

Inward means direction toward Earth’s center. Outward means direction away from Earth’s center. Tangent means direction along a local surface. Unresolved means position or arrow key missing.

For inward, look for the clue “direction toward Earth’s center.” For outward, look for “direction away from Earth’s center.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “direction toward Earth’s center”; a second states “direction away from Earth’s center.” The first fits inward and the second fits outward. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

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Helpful tips

Use the feature “direction toward Earth’s center” to justify inward; do not sort by the name alone.
Distinguish outward (direction away from Earth’s center) from a different process occurring in the same situation.

See the answer and explanation

inward

The answer is inward. In the notes, it means “direction toward Earth’s center.” Earth’s gravitational pull acts toward Earth’s center. Down is local, so arrows from different surface positions point inward. Gravity does not require air or touching.

Take it further

Create one new case showing inward and one showing outward. Expected: the first explicitly shows “direction toward Earth’s center”; the second explicitly shows “direction away from Earth’s center.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

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More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Arrow points away from center.tangentunresolvedinwardoutward

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: direction away from Earth’s center.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Arrow runs along the surface.inwardoutwardtangentunresolved

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: direction along a local surface.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Diagram gives no location or key.unresolvedinwardoutwardtangent

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: position or arrow key missing.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.