Using the language of gravity to teach about space, time, and matter in general relativity

Abstract

The familiar phenomenon of gravity offers different instructional entryways to Einsteinian concepts of space, time, and matter. This chapter explores the links between space, time, and matter in general relativity. It is intended for readers who look for instructional models and lesson plans to teach concepts of general relativity at the upper secondary school level, and also, for those who wish to learn more about the pedagogical perspective of talking physics. The chapter presents an opportunity to re-examine the ways gravity is taught in schools. It presents a pedagogical perspective that emphasizes the close link between language and physics. The chapter describes three instructional models that allow addressing the Einsteinian concepts of space and time through gravity. It presents two lesson plans that use the language of gravity and the instructional models to introduce secondary school students to space, time, and matter in general relativity.