Gravity Discoveries

This historical sequencing worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 explore how human understanding of gravity has developed over time through observation, experimentation, and scientific reasoning. Learners read short informational descriptions and place key discoveries-from early astronomical ideas to the groundbreaking work of Galileo, Newton, and Einstein-into correct chronological order, strengthening science literacy, reading comprehension, and historical awareness.

Learning Goals

• History of Gravitational Science (Grades 4-6) – Identify major milestones and contributors in the development of gravitational theory
• Chronological Thinking – Sequence scientific discoveries to understand how ideas build upon one another
• Scientific Reasoning & Progress – Recognize how experimentation, evidence, and new technology shape scientific understanding
• Reading & Information Processing – Analyze short informational texts and extract key details

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary science and social studies standards
• Cross-Curricular Integration – Combines physical science concepts with historical thinking skills
• Clear Timeline Structure – Supports logical organization and independent student work
• Highlights Key Scientists – Reinforces the roles of Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others in scientific advancement
• Low-Prep Printable – Ready to use in classrooms or homeschool settings

This gravity discoveries worksheet helps students build a coherent picture of how scientific ideas evolve over time. By organizing milestones in gravitational theory, learners strengthen understanding of scientific progress, historical context, and cause-and-effect relationships in discovery. Whether used in a classroom science unit or a homeschool lesson, this activity offers a meaningful way to connect physics concepts with the history of human inquiry and innovation.

This worksheet is part of our Gravity collection.