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Gravity Well
Item #P4-1385
$220.00
Bundle Discount
| Unit Price | $220.00 |
| 10+ | $202.00 |
Hands-on model of gravity, orbits, and spacetime curvature
Bring the physics of space science down to Earth with this dramatic, hands-on Gravity Well—an Arbor Scientific exclusive. Using a flexible, 6 ft diameter, lycra “space-time” surface and rolling marbles, students can see how mass warps space and how that curvature guides motion, turning abstract gravity ideas into something they can observe and measure.
As students roll marbles past a central heavy ball, they watch paths bend into orbits, speed up near “massive bodies,” and change as distance changes. The bigger the mass, the deeper and wider the “well,” making it a powerful model for understanding why planets orbit stars and what gravitational attraction really means.
Why Teachers Love the Gravity Well
- Saves hours vs. DIY versions: Teachers often try to build a gravity well themselves, but getting the surface tension and frame right is tough. This is a sturdy, proven setup that works beautifully every time.
- Makes gravity visible and unforgettable: Students immediately grasp gravity as curvature/attraction instead of a purely mathematical idea.
- High-engagement whole-class demo or lab: Large (6 ft across), walk-around setup gets every student involved and sparks great discussion.
- Easy to store, quick to set up: Collapsible frame and fabric pack away neatly after use.
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What You Can Teach with the Gravity Well
Ideal for middle school through AP/college-intro space science and physics, including:
- Gravity & gravitational fields: Mass dependence and field “strength” as depth/shape of the well.
- Orbital motion: Stable orbits, decaying orbits, and how trajectories curve near massive bodies.
- Orbital period vs. distance: Farther “planets” orbit more slowly; closer ones orbit faster.
- Formation of orbital systems / accretion: Marble interactions model how systems form and evolve over time.
- Intro to General Relativity (conceptual): Gravity as space-time curvature and why paths bend.
Set-Up is Easy
- Build the top ring: Connect the four long black tubes with the bolts and ball knobs to form a large circle. Tighten all bolts securely. (Two people make this easier.)
- Assemble the base: Insert the four shorter black tubes into the 4-way junction so the elbows face upward, forming a stable floor base.
- Join base to ring: Use the four white tubes to connect the base to the circular top frame. Check that all joints are fully seated and undamaged before continuing.
- Stretch the lycra evenly: Lay the lycra sheet over the ring and clip it down in opposite pairs, working your way around the circle to keep tension even. After the first 8 clips, add the remaining clips spaced evenly, then make small adjustments until the surface is smooth and level.
- Add the “star” and begin: Place the heavy ball in the center to create the main well, then roll marbles across the surface to explore orbits and trajectories. Do not exceed 2 kg on the fabric.
Products being sold are not toys. They are for Educational / Laboratory use only. They are not for use by children 12 and under.
Warning: California Residents
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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