Science project on gravity assist

[Scikidparent]

Hi, My son is in 4th grade and got intrigued by gravitational slingshot idea. We were wondering if we can use this concept as science fair project but we are stuck. If we want to build a gravity assist model how to make it interesting? Also, how much understanding should a 4th grader should have given this is a complex math and physics involved concept. Thanks

[amyCC]

Hi - We don't have an independent student project for this, but we do have a related lesson that you, as a parent, might find helpful in thinking about what your student could do and can learn from this exploration. You might want to look at this: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/teacher- ... -activity1#

Also, this project is potentially more difficult than your student's grade level, but you might be interested in looking at this:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... g-altitude

There are lots of other projects in the Astronomy and Space Science areas on the site.

This STEM activity may also be helpful (including the explanatory information in the Digging Deeper section): https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-act ... hole-model

Amy
Science Buddies