Material Detail

Exploring Black Holes and Gravity

This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners imagine what would happen if our Sun were replaced with a black hole. Using a bucket with stretchy fabric over it, this activity allows participants to experiment with marbles and weights to discover some basics about gravity. Learners consider how gravity affects rockets as they launch and attempt to enter orbit around a planet or moon. The PDF contains step-by-step instructions, photos, presentation tips, and links to background information.

Keywords:: Space, NASA, Black Hole, Black Holes, History/Policy/Law, Orbit, Scientist, Satellites and Spacecraft, NSDL, Universe, Stars and Galaxies, Physics, Rockets, Volume and Density, Chemistry, General, Earth System Science, Astronomy, Mass and Weight, Space Science, Isaac Newton, Materials Science, Albert Einstein, Physical Science, Center of Mass, Geoscience, Mathematics, Motion and Forces, Orbits, Simulation-Based Learning, Rocket, Newton's Laws, Science as a Career, Engineering, General Science, Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Earth and Space Science, Education, Gravity, Probes