Investigate and compare the effect of friction on the movement of an…
Investigate and compare the effect of friction on the movement of an object over a variety of surfaces (an adjacent-grade match: the rolling-ball lesson).
The Newfoundland and Labrador Science curriculum outcome (Science 5, Forces and Simple Machines) for Grade 5 says: “Investigate and compare the effect of friction on the movement of an object over a variety of surfaces (an adjacent-grade match: the rolling-ball lesson).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Newfoundland and Labrador Science curriculum.
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.
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