Science·Space Systems & Earth's History·conceptual
Universal Gravitation
Describe gravity as a universal attractive force between all masses, explain that orbital motion arises because gravity provides the centripetal force keeping objects in orbit, and compare gravitational field strengths on different planets
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- States that gravity is a universal attractive force acting between all objects with mass
- Explains that orbital motion occurs because gravity continuously deflects the path of the orbiting object
- Compares gravitational field strength on different planets and explains how this affects weight
Assessment prompt
If Universal Gravitation was asked why the Moon doesn't fly off into space but also doesn't crash into Earth, could they explain that gravity is constantly pulling it into a curved path — like swinging a ball on a string?
Standards alignment
MS-ESS1-2US · ngss-ms
MS-ESS1-2
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Phys.SpacePhysics.4GB · uk-nc-2013
The Solar System
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3