Secondary Science- Gravity

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Children's Ideas About Gravity - Pam Collins

Gravity- Several studies indicated children have ideas about gravity ranging from the concept of "down" (related to the surface of the Earth, and then more advanced understanding related to the center of the Earth). Pushing, pulling and holding were also common concepts referred to. The notion that there must be air in order for gravity to act was also a wide-held idea, especially among Italian students.

Weight- Students did not necessarily connect the concept of weight with gravity. Weight was considered a property of the object. Water was not seen to have gravity, and this is "why things float".

Falling- Falling was not always associated with gravity; it was believed that "things just fall naturally" or "letting go of an object would cause it to fall". Things fall because they are heavy, and heavier things fall faster.

Gravity in Space- A majority believed that gravity was a property of Earth; following the notion listed above that gravity is related to air. Students were aware that there is no "air" in outer space, therefore there must not be any gravity.