Make physics fun for young kids this fall with an apple gravity experiment! It’s easy to set up and fun to play and learn with. Kids will have the opportunity to explore gravity, motion, slopes, and more. The physical sciences can be fun and hands-on for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
Apple Gravity Experiment for Kids
Ready to turn everyday items into a fun physics experiment? In this activity, let’s use apples and rain gutters to explore the concepts of slopes, gravity, and ramps.
This simple setup is a hands-on way for kids to see how different angles and heights affect speed and motion, making physics fun and educational. This experiment encourages kids to test their hypotheses and discover the forces at play. Let’s get rolling!
💡 You Might Also Like Gravity Activity for Kids and Ramps and Friction Experiment
SUPPLIES:
- Apples – different sizes for extra learning!
- Plastic rain gutter (We bought one and cut in half)
- Stairs, tables, or chairs to create different elevations
Apple Gravity Experiment: Testing Angles
Get ready to explore physics by testing different ramp angles using apples and rain gutters! Here’s how you can do it:
- Set Up Your Ramps: Place your rain gutter ramps on a picnic table or any flat surface at various angles. You can change the angles by adjusting the ramps’ positions—one flat on the ground, one at a slight incline, and another at a steep angle.
- Predict the Results: Before you start, predict which ramp will make the apple roll the fastest, the slowest, and the fastest. Consider how the angle might affect the speed.
- Test the Angles: Roll an apple down each ramp and observe the speed. Note which ramp was the slowest and which one was the fastest.
- Compare Apple Sizes: For a more in-depth experiment, test two different-sized apples on ramps with similar angles. Observe which apple rolls faster and consider how size might impact the results.
💡 Learn how all this applies to the scientific method here.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE APPLE ACTIVITIES!
Our Apple Gravity Experiment Conclusion
This super easy-to-set-up fall outdoor apple gravity experiment was an excellent hands-on learning and play. Ask questions while you play! Keep it light and simple without too many facts for such a young age. Let children experiment with how they like and make observations.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Rolling Pumpkins
Encourage open-ended questions that encourage kids to process the activity and develop ideas! I was amazed at all he had learned from our hands-on play. Next time, grab cars, plastic eggs, balls, or whatever is around and try it again. Repetition of simple science concepts is great for kids.
More Apple Science Activities
Printable Preschool Apple Activities Pack
Get ready to explore this year with our growing Preschool STEM Bundle with 15+ themes!
Each unit contains approximately 15 activities, with instructions and templates as needed. Hands-on activities are provided to keep it fun and exciting. This includes sensory bins, experiments, games, and more! Easy supplies keep it low cost, and book suggestions add the learning time.
Or grab the Apple Preschool Pack on its own!
love this activity and love that dad is in on the fun:)
I love this! So simple yet so much fun! And you can packed a lot of learning into this one activity!