Unit 3

2nd Grading Cycle


Unit 3: Force, Motion and Energy (cont’d 17 days)

Part 1:

  • Explore the uses of energy, including

    • Mechanical, light, thermal, electrical and sound

  • Demonstrate that the flow of electricity in closed circuits can produce light, heat or sound

  • Demonstrate that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object and is reflected or travels through one medium to another or is refracted

Part 2:

  • Design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object

  • Demonstrate and observe how position and motion can be changed by pushing and pulling objects: swings, balls, wagons

TEKS: 3.6B, 5.6 A, 5.6B, 5.6C, 5.6D

Ongoing: 5.1A, 5.1B. 5.2A, 5.2B, 5.2C, 5.2E, 5.2F, 5.3A, 5.3B, 5.3C, 5.4A


Unit 3: Force, Motion and Energy


What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Can you describe how different forms of energy are used?

What is the difference between conduction, convection, radiation?

What is an electromagnet?

What are the characteristics of conductors and insulators?

Can you identify a closed circuit as series or parallel?

Can you describe the properties of light?

Are you able to compare and contrast concave and convex lenses?

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?


What are the effects of pushing and pulling on an object?

How can you test the effects of force on an object?


Key Academic Vocabulary:


Unit 3: Force, Motion and Energy

Mechanical Energy, Light Energy, Sound Energy, Thermal Energy, Electrical Energy, Flow, Closed Circuits, Reflection, Refraction, Concave, Convex, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Conductors, Insulators, Transparent, Translucent, Opaque, Transmit, Absorb, Rube Goldberg, Electric Current, Fuse, Parallel/Series Circuit, Lens, Medium, Prism, Switch


Experimental Investigation, Force, Position, Work, Push, Pull, Control, Hypothesis, Variable, Conclusion, Friction, Gravity, Magnetism, Motion, Mass, Texture