5th Grade exploring forces and motion

Scope and sequence

Suggested Time Frame: 5th Grade Science Curriculum Map

• 4th Nine Weeks- Consult the 5th Grade Science Curriculum Map for specific details.

The 5th Grade Science Curriculum Map outlines the following information:

• 1. Recommended pacing, scope, and sequence for each unit.

  2. Alignment with standards, conceptual understandings, and performance indicators

  3. Links to Unit Concept Storyboard Maps, Content and SEP Support Documents, and Curriculum Guides

  4. Details for Evidence of Understanding, Essential Learning Experiences, and Suggested Learning Engagements

  5. Where appropriate, alignment with specific FOSS, DSM, GEMS, and STC kit Activities and Investigations

Learning goals, skills, and concepts

Learning Goals

• Students will gather measurement data and apply mathematical and computational thinking to describe and predict the motion of an object.

• Students will gather data from investigations to develop models that illustrate how the amount or type of force affects the motion of an object.

  • Friction (contact force)

  • Magnetism (noncontact force)

  • Gravity (noncontact force)

• Students will gather data from investigations to determine the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of objects.

• Students will gather data from investigations to describe how changing the amount of force, the type of force, the mass of an object, or friction will affect the motion of an object.

• Students will apply their understanding of motion and friction from their investigations to design solutions that reduce the effect of friction on the motion of an object.

Skills and Concepts

• Analyze and Interpret Data- SEP Support Document

• Develop and Use Models- SEP Support Document

• Plan and Carry Out Investigations- SEP Support Document

• Define Problems and Design Solutions- SEP Support Document

• Use Mathematical and Computational Thinking- SEP Support Document

• Describing the Motion of an Object- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Contact and Noncontact Forces- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Balanced and Unbalanced Forces- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Change in Force, Mass, and Friction- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Reducing Friction- Essential Knowledge Support Document

Science Concept Storyboard

This link will take you to a print-friendly version of the science concept storyboard

Lessons and activities

Forces and Motion Unit Planning Support Doc

Potential Instructional Strategies/Lessons/Examples

• 5.P.5A.1 Use mathematical and computational thinking to describe and predict the motion of an object (including position, direction, and speed).

  • Pearson SC Interactive Science Textbook:

    • Lesson 1: How can you describe and measure motion (p. 52-59)

      • Quick Lab (p.53)

  • AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

    • Time to Move It

    • Clock Your Walk

    • How High? How Fast?

• 5.P.5A.2 Develop and use models to explain how the amount or type of force (contact and non-contact) affects the motion of an object.

  • Pearson SC Interactive Science Textbook:

    • Lesson 2: What are Forces? (p. 60-67)

      • Quick Lab (p. 61)

  • AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

    • Forceful Friction

    • Amazing Magnets

    • The Great Balloon Race

    • The Four Forces of Flight

    • Push to Start

• 5.P.5A.3 Plan and conduct controlled scientific investigations to test the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the rate and direction of motion of objects.

  • Pearson SC Interactive Science Textbook:

    • Lesson 2: What are Forces? (p.66-69)

  • AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

    • Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

    • Heroes Take a Spin

    • The Great Balloon Race

    • Tug Teams

    • The Four Forces of Flight

    • Cluster Balloonin

• 5.P.5A.4 Analyze and interpret data to describe how a change of force, a change in mass, or friction affects the motion of an object.

  • Pearson SC Interactive Science Textbook:

    • Lesson 3: What Are Newton’s Laws? (p.70-79)

      • Quick Labs (p.71)

  • AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

    • Forceful Friction

    • Amazing Magnets

    • Brick Slide

    • The Great Balloon Race

    • The Four Forces of Flight

    • Bouncing Around

    • How Heavy? How Far?

    • Push to Start

    • The Big Bopper

• 5.P.5A.5 Design and test possible devices or solutions that reduce the effects of friction on the motion of an object.

  • AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

    • Forceful Friction

    • Slip Sliding Away

    • Air Glider

• AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS 5th Grade Physical Science

  • Time to Move It

  • Clock Your Walk

  • How High? How Fast?

  • Forceful Friction

  • Amazing Magnets

  • The Great Balloon Race

  • The Four Forces of Flight

  • Push to Start

  • Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

  • Heroes Take a Spin

  • Tug Teams

  • Cluster Ballooning

  • Brick Slide

  • Bouncing Around

  • How Heavy? How Far?

  • The Big Bopper

  • Slip Sliding Aways

  • Air Glider

• Fascinating Friction (5.P.5A.4)

  • This activity, from the TeachEngineering website, has students investigating friction and testing different ways of reducing friction using different surfaces and lubricants.

Additional Resources

• Web Resources:

  • The following ESPN Sports Science Videos show the physics at work in various sports and sporting maneuvers. While some of the specific content and terminology is beyond the 5th grade performance expectations, the big ideas can help students understand things about how mass, direction of force, inertia, and balance all work in motion. These videos can also be used as hooks to show how forces and motion work in sports.

    • Fast Ball (Speed)

    • Pull (Force)

    • Skate Board (Balance, Friction, and Gravity)

• Hot Wheels Speedometry Lesson

• Physics and Motion

  • This website provides a variety of interactive resources for force and motion.

• Building a rollercoaster

  • These interactive websites involve constructing a rollercoaster using the concepts of force and motion.

    • Amusement Park Physics

    • Build a Coaster

• National Geographic Video Resource:

  • As with any video resource, teachers should carefully preview and vet any videos before showing them to students.

• Possible Field Studies:

  • Charlotte Motor Speedway