To show the magnitude and direction of all forces acting upon an object, scientists use a free body diagram. This simulation serves as an introduction to free body diagrams allowing scholars to build their own. Pupils select the proper arrow and apply it to the ball and then let the learning roll!

Concepts

force, force diagrams, gravity

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create worksheets practicing drawing free body diagrams

Classroom Considerations

• Users must have a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
• Assumes prior knowledge of forces, especially gravity

Pros

• Simulation prevents students from continuing until they have the correct answer
• Ends with a summary of the concepts

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4