Washington School Students Study Gravitational Force

On top of all their other likes and loves, Washington Primary School students have traditionally had a soft spot in the heart for science. That tradition continues this school year.

“During the science experiment, students investigated gravitational force by using a spring and adding different numbers of washers in each trial,” Washington Principal Dr. Michelle J. Richards said.

The spring stretched farther as more washers were loaded, showing how gravity pulls more strongly on heavier objects. Students carefully measured and recorded how much the spring stretched during each trial.

Teacher Aliash Ramirez shared how this experience helps students understand the relationship between weight and gravitational force. “At Washington, our students can put theory into practice through hands-on laboratory experiences,” Ms. Ramirez said.

Just what is gravity? “Gravity is the force of fundamental attraction between all things that have mass or energy,” according to the US Department of Energy. “It feels powerful to us in our daily lives, but it is by far the weakest of the four known forces in nature. The strong force  is the strongest of the forces and it binds nuclei together. The electromagnetic force is the next strongest and governs almost our entire existence from chemistry to our sense of touch and all the properties of light. The weak force is much weaker than electromagnetism and causes certain nuclei to fall apart.”