TEKS Addressed: 6.1A, 6.2A, 6.2B, 6.2C, 6.2D, 6.2E, 6.3A, 6.3B, 6.3C, 6.3D, 6.4A, 6.4B, 6.8A, 6.8B, 6.8C, 6.8D, 6.8E

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations that address kinetic and potential energy, the effects of unbalanced forces, calculating average speed, changes in motion, and how an inclined plane can impact the amount of force used to move an object.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 3

  • 3.6B – Demonstrate and observe how position and motion can be changed by pushing and pulling objects such as swings, balls, and wagons.

  • 3.6C – Observe forces such as magnetism and gravity acting on objects.

• Grade 4

  • 4.6D – Design a descriptive investigation to explore the effect of force on an object such as a push or a pull, gravity, friction, or magnetism.

• Grade 5

  • 5.6D – Design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object.

• Grade 4, Mathematics

  • 4.4H – Solve with fluency one- and two-step problems involving multiplication and division, including interpreting remainders.

  • 4.5A – Represent multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using strip diagrams and equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

  • 4.8C – Solve problems that deal with measurements of length, intervals of time, liquid volumes, mass, and money using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division as appropriate.

• Grade 5, Mathematics

  • 5.3G – Solve for quotients of decimals to the hundredths, up to four-digit dividends and two-digit whole number divisors, using strategies and algorithms, including the standard algorithm.

  • 5.4B – Represent and solve multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.

• Grade 6, Mathematics

  • 6.3E – Multiply and divide positive rational numbers fluently.

During this Unit

Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate concepts of force and motion. Students are introduced to kinetic and potential energy for the first time. They compare and contrast kinetic and potential energy in the context of force and motion. Students identify and describe the effects of unbalanced forces on an object’s position, direction, and speed; calculate average speed; and measure and graph changes in motion including distance over time and speed over time. Students also investigate how inclined planes can be used to change the amount of force used to move an object. Students compare the forces needed to move objects with and without inclined planes. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in the Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

Note: Students will be allowed the use of calculators on the Grade 8 Science STAAR Assessment.

In Grade 6 Mathematics, students are concurrently learning to divide positive rational numbers to include decimal dividends and divisors (6.3E). Science teachers are encouraged to work closely with the mathematics teachers to ensure the same language and processes are being taught in both content areas with regards to calculating average speed. This unit provides the opportunity for students to practice previously learned mathematics concepts. Grade 6 Science students utilized the same mathematics processes to calculate density.

After this Unit

In Grade 7, students will demonstrate and illustrate that forces affect motion in organisms.