The Hard Truth Regarding Gravity and Flight

In physical science and physics class, students learn that all objects fall at the same rate due to gravity. When learning that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma), many students may question the assertion, due to many apparent contradictions. Here are a few:

• Why does a leaf fall slowly, while a ball falls quickly?
• Why does a parachute slow the rate of descent?
• Why do space rockets not fall back to earth when the engines stop?

Although there is no data about space travel in the book series Soar! The Science of Flight, there are plenty of graphs on the motion of objects moving in the lab:

Volume 1

• String Trolley
• Umbrella
• Plastic Bag
• Ball
• Pen
• Yardstick
• Paper Airplanes
• Radio-Controlled Helicopter

Volume 2

• Air Rocket
• Parachute
• Glider
• Kite

By comparing graphs of motion, students can estimate the effects of air resistance on various types of falling objects. In addition, direct measurement of force by an accelerometer are provided in some graphs within each book above, showing the acceleration due to gravity versus acceleration which describes changes in motion.

The following books from Schottenbauer Publishing contain graphs and data pertaining to the science of falling or flying objects:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

• The Science of Flight
• The Science of Archery & Shooting Sports
• The Science of Balls
• Sampler Edition: 24 Sports Balls Bouncing, Rolling, & Flying
• Volumes 3, 6, & 7
• Volume 8: Assorted Balls
• The Science of Baseball
• Gravity, Springs, & Collisions: Graphs of Classical Physics Experiments

Anthologies of 28 Graphs

• The Science of Transportation
• The Science of Ball Sports

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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