This activity is a virtual science experiment, showing how the mass of an object and the presence of an atmosphere affect the speed at which it falls. All objects fall at the same speed regardless of their masses. This was the point of Galileo's experiment. The observed differences in falling speeds have to do with air resistance, which is determined by shape, density and other factors.

The user controls a cartoon representation of Galileo, the famous 16th Century physicist, and helps him recreate his historic Gravity experiment. The user puts an object in each of Galileo's hands (metal balls, feathers) and he drops them. The user can switch to a vacuum mode to see how the presence of an atmosphere changes the result.

Links to articles about Gravity on other websites are also included for further learning opportunities. This simulation presents a simple physics lesson, and even a bit of history, in a fun and interesting way.

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