No Prep Plans: Air Resistance & Vacuums – Air Resistance Experiment Report

No Prep Plans: Air Resistance & Vacuums – Air Resistance Experiment Report
Year 7 Physics | Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Aligned

Help students discover why some objects fall slowly while others fall quickly in this engaging, hands-on physics investigation. In this Air Resistance Experiment Report, students explore the relationship between gravity, air resistance, surface area, and vacuums through research, experimentation, data analysis, and scientific explanation.

Students investigate how different paper shapes fall through the air, collect and analyze timing data, create graphs, identify patterns, and explain how air resistance affects motion. The lesson also connects classroom learning to the famous Apollo 15 hammer-and-feather demonstration on the Moon, helping students understand why all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum.
This project combines scientific inquiry, real-world applications, and evidence-based reasoning while reinforcing key Year 7 Physics concepts.

What's Included:
• Teacher Directions Page (One 45–60 Minute Lesson)
• Student Research & Planning Page
• Student Data Collection & Results Page
• Student Analysis & Conclusions Page
• Color and Black & White Versions

Students Will Learn About:
• Air Resistance (Drag)
• Gravity
• Surface Area
• Vacuums
• Falling Objects
• Apollo 15 Hammer-and-Feather Demonstration
• Galileo's Predictions
• Parachutes and Skydiving
• Fair Testing
• Scientific Investigation

Skills Developed:
• Scientific Inquiry
• Data Collection
• Graphing and Data Analysis
• Observation Skills
• Evidence-Based Reasoning
• Critical Thinking
• Scientific Communication
• Experimental Design
• Real-World Application of Science Concepts

Perfect For:
• Cambridge Lower Secondary Science
• Year 7 Physics/US Grade 6
• Forces and Motion Units
• Gravity Units
• STEM Activities
• Science Labs
• Project-Based Learning
• Homeschool Learning
• Small Group Investigations
• Sub Plans

Teacher-Friendly Features:
• Print-and-go format
• Minimal preparation required
• Uses simple classroom materials
• Easy-to-follow investigation process
• Built-in graphing and analysis
• Encourages scientific discussion
• Connects physics concepts to real-world examples

Through experimentation and analysis, students discover that air resistance—not gravity alone—often explains why objects fall at different speeds on Earth. They then apply their understanding to parachutes, skydivers, space exploration, and the Apollo 15 Moon experiment, building a deeper understanding of how forces affect motion.

Important Disclaimer:
This resource is an independent educational product created to support classroom instruction and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Cambridge International Education. References to Cambridge Lower Secondary Science are provided solely to indicate curriculum alignment and instructional relevance. Teachers should use their professional judgment and their school's approved curriculum materials when implementing this resource.