Unit 5:

Unit Description

The understanding of how matter, motion, and forces are related, along with a comprehension of Newton’s laws of motion and the effects of forces on objects will be developed. Some activities in this unit provide an earth-science-based application of physical science principles. The Earth Sciences provide many real world opportunities to integrate the different science disciplines.

Student Understandings

Beginning with explanations of forces and continuing with investigations of motion (Position, Velocity, and Acceleration), students will design and carry out experiments to accurately test hypotheses about motion, speed, and direction. Newton’s laws of motion will be thoroughly explored. Students will develop the ability to construct and interpret graphs of motion. Building on Newton’s second law, the conservation of momentum in collisions is introduced at this level.

Guiding Questions

1. Can students differentiate between Position, Velocity and Accleration of an object?

2. Can students describe forces?

3. Can students differentiate between mass and weight?

4. Can students describe motion as constant, and determine speed, acceleration, and velocity?

5. Can students use Newton’s laws of motion to analyze and describe how things move?

6. Can students describe or model how the net force affects the motion of an object?

7. Can students relate the application of some of Newton’s laws of motion to the order of the solar system?

8. Can students distinguish the four main forces in nature: gravity, electromagnetic, and strong and weak nuclear forces?