Forces
4th Grade Science · 8 lessons
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Lessons
- 1Friction Opposes MotionFriction is a force that opposes motion between surfaces that touch. Rough surfaces create more friction than smooth ones. Without friction, you could not walk or grip objects.Experiment
- 2Balanced and Unbalanced ForcesBalanced forces are equal in size and opposite in direction, so an object stays still or moves at constant speed. Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate or change direction.Experiment
- 3Push or PullA force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion, shape, or direction. Forces are measured in Newtons and can act through contact or at a distance.Experiment
- 4Inclined Planes and RampsAn inclined plane is a flat, slanted surface, like a ramp, that makes lifting easier. Pushing a load up a gentle slope takes less force than lifting it straight up, though you must move it a longer distance.Experiment
- 5Light and ReflectionLight travels in straight lines until it hits a surface and bounces off, which is called reflection. A smooth mirror reflects light evenly so you see a clear image, while a rough surface scatters the light in many directions.Lesson
- 6Magnetic Force Works at a DistanceA magnet pulls on iron without touching it, and the pull gets rapidly weaker as the gap grows. It also works straight through paper, plastic and wood, because those materials do not block a magnetic field.Experiment
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