LESSON 2: That Force Called FrictionTime: 45 minutes
Download the Full Lesson Plan(PDF) 324KB
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will explore one factor that enables vehicles to move easily and other factors that slow down vehicle motion. Students revisit the use of rubber bands to explore resistance to force. They then add 'wheels' to the load in order to examine factors that facilitate motion by reducing friction. These activities serve as a foundation upon which students will consider vehicular efficiency in later lessons. Students will continue to apply what they learn about these factors to their vehicle designs.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:- Collect and record data related to force.
- Apply their understanding about force and motion to a new situation.
Lesson Essential Questions
1. How do you measure a pulling force?
2. What effect does adding mass have on the force necessary to push or pull an object across a surface?
3. How does a wheel make it easier to move things?
