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Australia · Australian Curriculum Science · Year 4

AC9S4U03: Identify how forces can be exerted by one object on another and…

Identify how forces can be exerted by one object on another and investigate the effect of frictional, gravitational and magnetic forces on the motion of objects. Taught in lesson 1 (friction), lessons 2 and 3 (magnetic force).

The Australian Curriculum: Science, version 9.0 outcome AC9S4U03 (Science understanding) for Year 4 says: “Identify how forces can be exerted by one object on another and investigate the effect of frictional, gravitational and magnetic forces on the motion of objects. Taught in lesson 1 (friction), lessons 2 and 3 (magnetic force).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Australian Curriculum: Science, version 9.0.

Pushes, Pulls and Magnets Grade 3

Why a rolling ball always stops, whether a magnet can pull through a table, and how far a paper clip will jump. Three lessons on the pushes and pulls that start, stop and steer things.

  • Why does a ball stop rolling? 45–60 min

    Teams roll the same ball down the same ramp onto a hard floor, a carpet and a towel, and measure how far it goes each time. They find out that a rolling ball doesn't just run out of go: something rubs against it and slows it down.

  • Can a magnet work through a table? 45–60 min

    Teams test whether a magnet can pull a paper clip through paper, foil, plastic, cloth and wood, then count how many cards it can pull through before it lets go. They find out that most materials don't block a magnet at all: distance is what weakens the pull.

  • How far will a paper clip jump? 45–60 min

    Teams slide a magnet slowly toward a paper clip along a ruler and measure the gap at the moment the clip jumps. They repeat it, use the pattern to predict what two and three magnets will do, and then design a magnet gadget that works without touching.

Printable practice for AC9S4U03

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Compared with NGSS: 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-3 (partial).

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