Gravity & Gravitational Forces Real-World Case Study | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students to weigh a real decision about Gravity & Gravitational Forces and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: Space agencies are designing a satellite to clean up space junk, such as dead satellites and old rocket parts orbiting Earth. Thousands of pieces of junk race around Earth at more than 17,500 miles per hour and threaten working satellites and space stations. Everything in orbit is constantly falling around Earth because of… Key question: "How could countries work together to clean up space junk while making sure no one uses it as a weapon?"

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 710 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.