Minds On
Mass or weight?
Did you know that most people confuse the meanings of the words mass and weight? It’s true! Do you know what the difference is between them?
Next, you will explore a video about mass vs. weight to find out if you know the difference. In this video, two astronauts, Robert Thirsk and Nicole Stott, will explain the difference between mass and weight, and describe gravity from the Japanese Laboratory Module on the International Space Station (ISS).
As you explore, record any new vocabulary and their definitions using a method of your choice such as in print, digitally or using an audio recording.
Access the following video clip entitled “Mass vs Weight–Part 1 – Introduction” to learn more about mass and weight.
To test your understanding, complete the following fill in the blank activity about the definitions explored in the video. A vocabulary bank has been provided for you.
Complete Mass vs. Weight Video Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use another method of your choice to record your answers.
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Instructions: Complete the following fill in the blanks about the definitions explored in the “Mass vs Weight–Part 1 – Introduction” video from the Minds On. Use the word bank to help you. Word Bank: gravity mass weight 360 matter orbit masses gravity 60 0 mass earth moon gravity sun |
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Mass vs Weight Video Activity ________ is the vertical force exerted by a _______ as a result of gravity. It is the strength of the gravitational pull on the object. How heavy is it? An astronaut on Earth would weigh _____ pounds when wearing their space suit. On the moon, the same astronaut would weigh ____ pounds. And in orbit around the Earth, the same astronaut would weigh __ pounds. That is because in Space there is no _______. _______ is the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field. The mass of an object is not dependent on _______. Mass is the amount of _______ in an object. Forces affect objects with less mass more than objects with greater masses. An animal’s mass would be the same on _______, on the _______ and in orbit. _______ is a force that governs motion throughout the universe. On Earth, it holds us to the ground. It keeps the Moon in _______ around us. It keeps the Earth in orbit around the _______. It is the attraction between any two _______. Gravity is like the glue that holds the universe together! |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Mass vs. Weight Video Activity.
When you are ready, press the ‘Answer Guide’ button to access the answers for the Mass vs. Weight Video Activity.
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Mass vs Weight Video Activity Answer Guide Weight is the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity. It is the strength of the gravitational pull on the object. How heavy is it? An astronaut on Earth would weigh 360 pounds when wearing their spacesuit. On the moon, the same astronaut would weigh 60 pounds. And in orbit around the Earth, the same astronaut would weigh 0 pounds. That is because in Space there is no gravity. Mass is the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field. The mass of an object is not dependent on gravity. Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Forces affect objects with less mass more than objects with greater masses. An animal’s mass would be the same on Earth, on the Moon, and in orbit. Gravity is a force that governs motion throughout the universe. On Earth, it holds us to the ground. It keeps the Moon in orbit around us. It keeps the Earth in orbit around the Sun. It is the attraction between any two masses. Gravity is like the glue that holds the universe together! |
Action
Innovation in Canada
This learning activity features emerging technologies, STEM contributions, and Canadian innovations that are making a difference.
Weight, mass, and gravity
Let’s review some Science vocabulary that will help as we investigate the differences and relationship between weight, mass, and gravity.
Press each tab to access explanations of different science vocabulary words that we will be using in this learning activity.
Anything that has mass and takes up space. Everything in the universe is made up of matter.
The measure of how much matter is in an object.
The measure of how much gravity is pulling on an object.
The invisible force that pulls objects together.
Next, let’s check out this video entitled “What is Gravity?” to learn some more about our featured vocabulary terms.
Brainstorm
Exploring gravity
Imagine a person holding a light object (such as a feather) and a heavy object (such as a hammer) at an equal height.
Make a prediction: If dropped at the same time, which object will land first: the lighter or heavier one?
Press ‘Let’s Check’ to reveal a possible answer.
The heavier object should land first.
Using a format of your choice, such as in print, digitally or with an audio recording, explain why you think this occurs.
Let’s experiment!
Let’s test a few different objects to challenge the prediction that a heavier object will always land before a lighter object.
Before we begin, check out this video to learn about the steps of the Scientific Experimentation Process.
Safety
Before you explore the following experiment, let’s perform a safety check.
Hands-on Science
Hands-on science
For this experiment, we will be investigating gravity using everyday materials.
Complete the Lab sheet: Gravity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
- Rolled-up sock or small ball
- Tissue
- 2 sheets of paper that are the same size
Test #1: Hold the rolled-up sock or ball in one hand and the tissue in the other. Drop the objects at the same time from the same height.
Which object reaches the ground first? Why do you think this happened?
Test #2: Now try dropping the rolled-up sock or ball and one sheet of paper at the same time from the same height.
Which object reaches the ground first? Why do you think this happened?
Test #3: Crumple one sheet of paper into a ball. Drop the paper ball and the other sheet of paper at the same time from the same height.
Which object reaches the ground first? Why do you think this happened?
Test #4: Now try dropping the paper ball and the rolled-up sock or ball at the same time from the same height.
Which object reaches the ground first? Why do you think this happened?
Check out this video to explore a demonstration of the Gravity experiment. Please note that materials and procedure in the video may vary slightly from what is listed in the previous tabs.
Science is about reflecting and reimagining. Was your experiment successful?
Is there anything that you would change about your experiment design to improve it or the outcome?
Even if your experiment was not successful, what did you learn or confirm about the topic you were investigating?
Check out this audio clip/recording entitled “Gravity” to learn more about some of the Science behind the possible results of our experiment.
Gravity
Explore the following diagram to examine the force of gravity and air resistance acting on a sheet of falling paper.
A diagram showing how the force of gravity is impacted by the shape of a falling object. The image shows a piece of paper labelled “falling object”. Above the paper is an arrow pointing down with the label “force of gravity”. Underneath the paper are three arrows pointing up with the label “air resistance”.
Next, explore the following video entitled “The Fascinating Truth About Gravity” to learn more about gravity and how air plays a role in how fast an item will drop.
Learning check!
For each question, select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Press ‘Learn More’ to access an explanation of the previous question.
The shape of an object can create more air resistance which affects the speed at which an object falls.
Press ‘Learn More’ to access an explanation of the previous question.
When there is no air in an environment, objects with different masses will fall at the same speed and land at the same time.
Mass versus weight in space
Explore the following video by NASA as astronauts onboard the International Space Station explore stretching mass using drink bags. As you explore, take note of anything that is different in a space environment than it is on Earth.
Pause and Reflect
What do you think?
What is being measured by the stretch of the elastic string: mass or weight?
Record your thinking in print, digitally or using an audio recording. Don’t forget to use examples and/or scientific facts to justify your answer.
Explore the following video to learn more about the differences between mass and weight in space and how they impact astronauts on the International Space Station.
Can you think of other ways that weightlessness may impact astronauts in space? Record your thinking in your notebook or using another method of your choice.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Using a Venn diagram, or a method of your choice, compare what you have learned about mass and weight.
You may choose to complete the Mass vs. Weight Activity organizer in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Mass vs. Weight Activity.
Pause and Reflect
Reflection questions
- How does gravity affect your life on a daily basis? List at least three ways.
- What challenges would life without gravity present for astronauts on the International Space Station? Which everyday tasks would be more difficult or easier?
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.