Force Lesson Plans

Students experiment with force and motion. In this force and motion activity, students test gravity using a variety of objects. Students rotate through a series of stations which use force, motion, friction, and inclines. Students predict outcomes and compare to results.

Students recognize the effect of Earth's gravity on an object's weight. For this force and motion lesson students understand the role of gravity when you drop an object. Students experiment with small items. Students measure in Newton's. Students complete a worksheet using speed, moments, and changes in pressure.

Learners discuss force, gravity, and friction as well as examples of each based on what they viewed during a Discovery video. They examine first hand the effect of forces by building their own luge track, making predictions, and testing their predictions. Working in groups they run tests, collect data, and make conclusions about the effect of forces on the sport of luging.

Students explore constructive and destructive forces. In this constructive and destructive forces lesson, students complete a WebQuest. Students explore the different types of forces and their effect on the surrounding geography. When finished, students create either a tornado or volcano.

Students experiment to find the effects of forces.  In this forces lesson plan, students complete activities with different types of forces and then answer questions based on their experience. Students reflect on what forces do.

Students explore force and motion through a series of experiments. For this physics lesson, students create and interpret speed graphs. They build an electromagnet and explain the factors affecting its strength.

Ninth graders define and give examples of forces, measure forces and discover the relationship between force and motion. They engage in a lab activity after the lecture.

Students assess the damage natural forces have caused Maryland's geographic features. In this state geography and ecology lesson, students work in a group to research ways in which weathering, erosion, and deposition have affected the surface of the Earth. Students construct charts to illustrate their findings, and decide which force has had the greatest impact on Maryland's environment. Students create a PowerPoint presentation to be sent to the Governor's environmental committee.

Students discuss the different types of forces at work in the world and how forces may help or hinder motion. They experiment with ramps and toy cars and run trials to find the average speed and distance cars traveled. After adding weight to the top of the toy car, they hypothesize the effect is has on the car's speed. Groups also test friction by adding sand paper, wax paper, and bubble wrap to the ramp.

What a wonderful way to explore motion and forces! Learners design a catapult, after watching a video and discussing types of catapults. This is a comprehensive and complete lesson plan with links to supplementary resources.