Forces and Motion

Grade Levels: 1 to 7

Class size: 2 students
Time: 30 minutes
Unit: Exploring the Wonders of Science (Lesson 8 of 10)
Subject: Science
Alberta Curriculum Focus: Science - Grade 1 to 7 (General and Specific Outcomes related to Forces and Motion)

Learning Objectives

Aligned with Alberta Program of Studies Science outcomes:

Grade 1-3:
- Students will identify different types of forces (push, pull, gravity) and describe their effects on objects.
- Reference: SCI 1-07-01 – Describe observable properties of moving objects, including changes in speed and direction when pushed or pulled.
Grade 4-6:
- Students will explain how forces affect the motion of objects, recognising friction, gravity, and magnetic forces.
- Reference: SCI 4-07-01 – Demonstrate how forces affect the motion of an object, including the effects of friction and gravity.
Grade 7:
- Students will predict and investigate forces acting on objects and represent forces with arrows (vectors).
- Reference: SCI 7-07-01 – Describe and demonstrate different types of forces (gravity, friction, magnetism, and applied forces) and their effects on an object’s motion.

I Can Statements

I can identify different types of forces like push, pull, gravity, friction, and magnetism.
I can describe how forces make objects start moving, stop, or change direction.
I can give examples from everyday life to show the effect of forces.
I can participate in a simple experiment to see forces in action.

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success when they:

Correctly name and explain at least 3 different forces.
Describe and give examples of how forces change the motion of objects (slowing, speeding up, stopping, changing direction).
Participate actively in an interactive activity demonstrating forces.
Conduct and explain results from a simple forces experiment.

Materials Needed

A soft ball or toy car
Magnets and paperclips
Small ramps (e.g., textbooks or inclined boards)
Rubber balls and cloths to create friction
Visual aids with labelled diagrams of forces
Worksheets with dyslexia-friendly fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic) and clear illustrations
Timer or stopwatch
Chart paper and colourful markers

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Begin with a simple question: "Have you ever pushed a door or pulled a drawer? What happened?"
Show pictures or illustrations representing various forces: push, pull, gravity (apple falling), magnetism. Use dyslexia-friendly visual aids with simple words and icons.
State Today’s Topic: "Introduction to Forces and Motion"
Share the I Can Statements and discuss the success criteria. Keep the language clear and tactile.

2. Explore: Demonstrate Different Forces (10 minutes)

Activity 1 – Push and Pull

Take the ball or toy car.
Push it gently, then push it hard. Ask students what happens.
Pull the object and observe.
Discuss: "What does the force do to the object?" (start moving, speed up).

Activity 2 – Gravity and Ramps

Place the toy car at the top of a ramp.
Let go and watch it roll down, asking students what force makes it move.
Discuss gravity pulling objects down hills.

Activity 3 – Friction

Roll the ball on smooth vs. rough cloth surface; ask which one moves farther and why. Introduce friction.
Highlight how friction slows down motion.

Activity 4 – Magnetism (for grades 4+)

Use magnets and paperclips to show magnetic force acting at a distance without touch.

Throughout activities, reinforce key vocabulary with visuals, arrows showing direction of forces, and simplified explanations.

3. Experiment: Forces in Action (10 minutes)

Simple Experiment:

Hypothesis: "If I roll a ball on a smooth surface, it will go farther than on a rough surface."
Steps:
1. Roll a ball on a smooth floor surface — time or measure distance.
2. Roll the ball on a carpet (rough surface) — time or measure distance.
Record observations on chart paper together, using pictures and short sentences.
Discuss: “What force is acting to slow down the ball?” (friction)
Encourage students to explain using "I can" statements.

4. Consolidation and Reflection (5 minutes)

Review the key forces learnt: push, pull, gravity, friction, magnetism.
Ask students to give examples from their home or playground where they experience these forces.
Use a checklist or quick verbal quiz to confirm understanding of success criteria.
Provide encouragement and positive feedback.

Differentiation Strategies

Use concrete, hands-on objects for tactile learners.
Pair visual aids with short, clear sentences for learners with dyslexia — minimal text, large dyslexia-friendly font, lots of pictures.
Repeat key vocabulary and allow extra response time.
Use gestures and demonstrate vocabulary physically.
For student 2 (if different level), adjust verbal prompts or add scaffolding questions.

Extension Activities

Investigate the effect of different surfaces on motion at home (e.g., carpet, tile, wood).
Create a “Force Diary” where students record daily examples of forces they notice (push a door, gravity pulling an apple, magnet sticking to fridge).
Introduce simple force diagrams using arrows for more advanced students (Grades 5-7).
Build a small homemade ramp or catapult to test applied forces.

Assessment

Informal assessment through observation of participation and explanations during activities and discussion.
Review students’ answers on visual worksheets and reflection questions using dyslexia-friendly format.
Check use of “I can…” language to self-assess.
Provide verbal and written feedback.

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

Were students engaged with the interactive activities?
Did students successfully use “I can” statements in describing forces?
Was the dyslexia-friendly approach effective for both students?
How did the experiment affect students’ understanding of friction and motion?
Plan adjustments for remaining lessons in the unit based on observations.

With this lesson, students will master the basic ideas behind forces and motion in an accessible, hands-on, and inclusive manner directly aligned with the Alberta curriculum outcomes. The use of interactive activities combined with visual and dyslexia-friendly support will empower diverse learners to grasp these foundational science concepts confidently.

Teaching Instructions