Simulate Gravity’s Effect on Objects Using AI

Explore the influence of gravity on motion through visual simulations and analysis.

Teaching Context:
Ideal for Year 7 to Year 10 Physics or Science students learning about forces, gravity and acceleration.

Basic AI Prompt:
Explain how gravity affects a ball dropped from a height.

Enhanced AI Prompt:
You are a Physics student exploring gravity. Simulate what happens when a ball is dropped from different heights. Describe how gravity, air resistance and mass affect the motion. Include diagrams if possible. Present the data in a table or visual form.

Spice it Up (Optional Extension):
Ask AI to create a scenario comparing Earth vs Moon gravity effects.

Lesson Implementation:
Begin with a class demonstration: drop objects of different mass from the same height. Discuss observations. Students use the AI prompt to explore similar scenarios, including variables like air resistance or surface. Use a graphic organiser to compare falling objects on Earth and the Moon.

Encourage students to visualise outcomes using diagrams or velocity-time graphs generated through AI or by hand. Students can work in pairs and share findings in a short report. Use simulations from PhET or Exploratorium to complement the AI results. This lesson links well to inquiry-based learning and conceptual understanding of forces.

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