How Gravity Works: From Falling Apples to Orbits

Next Generation Science

This educational video introduces students to the fundamental concept of gravity, defined as an invisible force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. Hosted in the "Lighthouse Lab," the presenter uses clear demonstrations, such as throwing a ball into the air, to illustrate the difference between push forces and the pull of gravity. The video seamlessly transitions from everyday examples—like falling leaves and waterfalls—to the historical discovery of gravity by Isaac Newton in the 1600s. The content explores the scientific definition of gravity as a force existing between all objects with mass, distinguishing it from magnetic force. It explains the relationship between mass and gravitational pull, clarifying why the Earth pulls objects down rather than objects pulling the Earth up noticeably. The narrative extends this concept to the solar system, explaining how the same force that drops an apple also keeps planets in orbit around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth. For educators, this video serves as an excellent anchor for units on forces and motion, the history of science, or astronomy. It addresses common misconceptions about why things fall and connects terrestrial physics (falling apples) with celestial mechanics (orbits) in an age-appropriate way. The mix of live-action demonstration and animated storytelling makes abstract physics concepts concrete and accessible for elementary and middle school students.