Topic 2 - Forces and Motion

Suggested Time: 17 days

Objectives

Students will:

• collect data that examine the distance traveled by an object moving at a constant speed over a period of time;

• identify the x and y axes on a distance versus time graph; and predict how the graph would change if the object were moving at a faster or slower speed.

• define a force as a push or pull that results from an object’s interaction with another object; and observe and identify changes that occur when objects come into close contact with each other.

• associate Isaac Newton with the development of the law of gravity;

• investigate the gravitational pull on objects of various mass;

• explain that the greater the mass of an object, the greater the gravitational force; and explain that the distance between two objects affects the gravitational force.

• observe and identify that when an unbalanced force is not present, an object is at equilibrium and does not change speed or direction of motion;

• observe and describe how an object moves in the same direction of a stronger force; and apply their knowledge to describe the changes that occur in an object when an unbalanced force acts with or against the motion of the object.

• discuss that laws are based on numerous experiments pertaining to natural phenomena;

• acknowledge that a scientific law is valid everywhere; and compare and contrast scientific and societal laws.

• define a scientific model as a visual representation that helps people gain a greater understanding of a scientific concept;

• explain how models can be used to study things that are too large or too small to see;

• discuss that models can be used to study objects from the past;

• compare and contrast mathematical and physical models; and apply knowledge to discuss the benefits and limitations of using models to study science.