The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Exploring Forces at a Distance

Exploring Forces at a Distance

A [4-5] grade STEM lesson

Author: M. Ramos

Date: 01/2024

Notes for teachers

Prior knowledge/ background knowledge necessary to complete this lesson.

1. Basic scientific inquiry and observation skills.
2. Knowledge of mass and weight.
3. Understanding of basic math concepts including measurements and data analysis.

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List of Materials

• Magnets
• Light Source (Flashlight, cell phone flashlight)
• Small objects (various materials)
• String
• Weights
• Whiteboard
• Markers
• Printed diagrams illustrating electric, magnetics and gravitational forces (optional ones at the end of this lesson)
• Building materials (cardboard, tape, string, paperclips, etc.,)

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Standards

NGSS Science Standard: 5.P2U1.3 Construct an explanation using evidence to demonstrate that objects can affect other objects even when they are not touching.

Common Core Math Standards: 5.NBT.B.5 Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

Integration of math standard: Apply multiplication to calculate forces and understand their effects on objects at a distance.

.Common Core Science Standards: 5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties

Integration of science standard: Understand the properties of materials affected by forces and interactions.

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Standards

Science Standard: 5-PS2-1 Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.

Integration of science standard: Connect gravitational forces with the direction of the force exerted by Earth on objects.

STEM Standard: MS-ETS1-4 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process.

Integration of STEM standard: Students will develop models to represent the forces acting at a distance and iteratively test and modify their models based on experimental outcomes.

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Objectives:

1. Students will construct an explanation using evidence to demonstrate that objects can affect other objects even when they are not touching. They will explore electric, magnetic, and gravitational forces, understanding how these forces operate without direct contact between objects.

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Agenda (195 mins)

Vocabulary (10)

Engage (10)

Explore 1 (20)

Explore 2 (20)

Explore 3 (20)

Engineering application (45)

Explain (15)

Elaborate (50)

Evaluate (5)

Vocabulary

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Vocabulary Match-Up

Materials needed: Vocabulary cards with terms related to forces and magnets (vocabulary list provided below)

Instructions:

1. Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
2. Give each group a set of vocabulary cards.
3. Instruct the students to match each term with its corresponding definition.
4. Encourage students to discuss and explain their choices to each other.
5. Review the correct answers as a whole class.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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1. Begin with a class discussion on forces and interactions. Encourage students to share examples of forces they experience daily.
2. Introduce the concept that forces can act at a distance. Show printed (or digital) diagrams illustrating electric, magnetic and gravitational forces.
3. Have the students develop a quick way to show the power of magnets.
4. Engage students with a brief demonstration using magnets and a light source to show forces at a distance.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Magnetic and Electric Forces

• Divide students into small groups
• Provide each group with magnets, small objects, and materials to create simple circuits.
• Instruct students to observe and record how magnets and electric forces affect objects without direct contact
• Encourage groups to document their observations on whiteboard and share finding with the class
• **if students struggle allow each group to send a “spy” to other groups to get ideas.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Gravitational Forces

• Introduce the concept of gravitational forces using a brief explanation and diagram.
• **Allow students to experiment with weights and strings to demonstrate gravitational pull.
• Discuss the gravitational force of Earth and its impact on objects near the surface

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Engineering Application

1. Explain that engineers use the understanding of forces at a distance to design structures and devices.
2. Challenge students to apply their knowledge by engineering a model that demonstrates forces at a distance.
3. Provide building materials and ask students to design a structure or device that utilizes magnetic, electric, or gravitational forces.
4. Encourage iterative testing and modifications as students work on their engineering projects.
5. Have each group present their engineering models, explaining the forces at play and how their design addresses real-world problems.

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Presentation

1. Students will present their design ideas to the class, explaining how their structure or device meets the criteria and addresses the understanding of how forces affect objects at a distance.

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2. Encourage students to use evidence from the earlier discussions and data analysis to support their design choices.

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Application and Reflection

1. Have students reflect on the engineering aspect of the lesson. How did they incorporate forces at a distance into their designs?
2. Discuss the challenges faced during the engineering activity and how students addressed them.
3. Connect the engineering process to real-world applications in various fields.

Assessment

1. Observe group participation during the engineering activity.
2. Review students' reflections on the engineering process and how forces at a distance were incorporated into their designs.
3. Assess the clarity and depth of group presentations on their engineering models.

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Differentiation

1. Provide additional support materials for struggling learners, such as diagrams or pre-made “kits” to show forces at a distance.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

1. Research and present examples of engineering applications that involve forces acting at a distance.

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