Learning Objectives

• Define force as a push or pull.
• Describe how forces can change an object's motion.
• Identify friction as a force that opposes motion.
• Distinguish between balanced and unbalanced forces using simple examples.
• Use evidence from a small-group investigation to explain observations.

Materials Needed

• Toy cars or small rolling objects
• Books or blocks to create ramps
• Different surface materials (paper, fabric, sandpaper, cardboard)
• String
• Spring scales or force meters, if available
• Stopwatch or timer
• Recording sheet
• Pencils

Support

• Provide sentence starters such as 'The force caused the car to...'
• Use paired reading of directions and model each step before groups begin.
• Allow students to record answers with drawings or short phrases.
• Assign clear group roles: tester, recorder, materials manager, reporter.

Challenge

• Ask students to explain which forces were balanced or unbalanced in each test.
• Have students predict how changing the ramp height would affect motion and explain why.
• Invite students to design one additional test that changes a single variable.

Checks for Understanding

• Observe group discussions for correct use of vocabulary.
• Check recording sheets for accurate observations.
• Listen for evidence-based explanations during share-out.
• Use the exit check to confirm understanding of how forces affect motion.

Closure

Review the key idea that forces are pushes and pulls that can change motion. Ask students to name one force they noticed today and one example of friction from real life.