• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Forces at Play

user image

Sheela Pagkalinawan

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Forces At Play Lesson Plan

Students will investigate push and pull forces by conducting hands-on experiments, record force measurements using spring scales, and explain how these forces affect motion.

Understanding push and pull forces builds core physics skills, strengthens scientific inquiry, and helps students relate everyday interactions to foundational science concepts.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on group experiments with guided discussion.

Materials

  • Toy Cars, - Spring Scales, - Rubber Bands, - Inclined Plane Ramp, - Meter Stick, - Stopwatch, - Weights (Mass Set), - Force and Interaction Worksheet, and - Force Experiment Instruction Cards

Prep

Setup Materials and Print Resources

10 minutes

  • Gather all physical materials listed under Materials and arrange experiment stations for groups of 3 students
  • Print copies of Force and Interaction Worksheet (one per student)
  • Print and cut out Force Experiment Instruction Cards
  • Review the worksheet and instruction cards to familiarize yourself with each activity step

Step 1

Introduction to Forces

5 minutes

  • Define force, push, and pull on the whiteboard
  • Show quick demonstrations (e.g., pushing a toy car, pulling a rubber band)
  • Ask students for real-life examples of pushes and pulls to build engagement

Step 2

Hands-On Experiments

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3 and assign each group a station
  • Distribute Force Experiment Instruction Cards and necessary materials
  • Students follow card instructions to measure forces (using spring scales) and record data on the Force and Interaction Worksheet
  • Circulate to support procedures and ensure safety

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 minutes

  • Reconvene whole class and invite each group to share one finding:
    • What forces did you measure?
    • How did changing the setup affect the force reading?
  • Highlight patterns in data and correct any misconceptions

Step 4

Conclusion and Assessment

5 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways: forces cause changes in motion; net force concept
  • Ask students to complete the exit question on the Force and Interaction Worksheet: “Describe one real-life scenario where understanding force is important.”
  • Collect worksheets for formative assessment
lenny

Slide Deck

Forces At Play

Exploring push and pull forces through hands-on activities to understand how forces affect motion.

Introduce the lesson. Mention objectives: students will investigate push and pull forces. Note time allocation: 30 minutes total.

What Is a Force?

• A force is a push or a pull on an object.
• A push applies force away from you.
• A pull applies force toward you.

Can you name everyday pushes and pulls?

Define key terms clearly. Ask students to offer examples and write them on the board.

Quick Demonstrations

  1. Push a toy car and watch it roll.
  2. Pull and release a stretched rubber band.

What did you notice about how the objects moved?

Perform two quick demos: push a toy car across the table, then stretch and release a rubber band. Encourage students to observe direction and effect.

Hands-On Experiments

• Work in groups of 3 at your station.
• Use your Force Experiment Instruction Cards.
• Measure force with spring scales and record on the Force and Interaction Worksheet.
• Try different masses or ramp angles and note changes.

Explain station set-up and materials. Emphasize safety when using spring scales and weights.

Group Discussion

  1. What forces did you measure?
  2. How did changing mass or angle affect your readings?

Listen for patterns and correct any misunderstandings.

Guide discussion by asking each group to share one finding. Clarify misconceptions about force direction and magnitude.

Conclusion & Assessment

• Key takeaway: forces cause changes in motion; direction and magnitude matter.
• Exit question on your worksheet: “Describe one real-life scenario where understanding force is important.”

Collect worksheets for formative assessment.

Summarize core concepts and collect exit tickets. Reinforce that net force changes motion.

lenny

Worksheet

Force and Interaction Worksheet

Data Recording

Follow instructions on Force Experiment Instruction Cards to complete each station below.

Station 1: Toy Car on Flat Surface (Push)

  • Setup Description:



  • Force Measured (N):


  • Observations:





Station 2: Rubber Band Pull Experiment

  • Setup Description:



  • Force Measured (N):


  • Observations:





Station 3: Inclined Plane Ramp Experiment

  • Setup Description:



  • Force Measured (N):


  • Observations:





Sketching Forces

Sketch and label the direction of the forces you applied in one experiment (use arrows to show direction and relative magnitude).










Analysis Questions

  1. How did changing the surface (flat vs. incline) affect the force required? Explain with reference to your data.










  2. Describe the relationship between the angle of the ramp and the force measured. Why does this relationship occur?










  3. The measurements at Station 2 (rubber band pull) differed from Station 1. Explain what factors (e.g., elasticity, friction) might have influenced your readings.










Real-World Connection

  1. Exit Question: Describe one real-life scenario where understanding push and pull forces is important. Explain how the concept of force applies.





lenny
lenny

Activity

Force Experiment Instruction Cards

Use these cards at each station to guide your group through the experiment. Record your measurements on the Force and Interaction Worksheet.

Station 1: Toy Car on Flat Surface (Push)

Objective: Measure the force needed to push a toy car at a steady speed on a level surface.

Materials:

  • Toy Car
  • Spring Scale
  • Meter Stick
  • Small Weights (optional)

Steps:

  1. Place the car on the flat table.
  2. Attach the spring scale hook to the front of the car.
  3. Pull the car at a constant, slow speed for 1 meter.
  4. Read and record the force (in newtons) on your worksheet.
  5. Repeat two more trials and calculate the average force.
  6. (Optional) Add a small weight to the car and repeat steps 3–5.

Discussion Prompt: How did adding weight change the force required?

Station 2: Rubber Band Pull Experiment

Objective: Investigate how stretching a rubber band affects the force it exerts.

Materials:

  • Rubber Band
  • Spring Scale
  • Ruler (marked in centimeters)
  • Clamp or Hook Stand

Steps:

  1. Secure one end of the rubber band to a clamp or hook stand.
  2. Attach the spring scale to the other end.
  3. Stretch the rubber band to 5 cm beyond its resting length, pull steadily, and record the force.
  4. Repeat at 10 cm and 15 cm extensions, recording each force.
  5. Plot extension vs. force in your mind: is it linear?

Discussion Prompt: What relationship do you see between stretch distance and force?

Station 3: Inclined Plane Ramp Experiment

Objective: Explore how ramp angle affects the force needed to pull a car up an incline.

Materials:

  • Inclined Plane Ramp
  • Toy Car or Small Cart
  • Spring Scale
  • Protractor or Angle Marker
  • Meter Stick

Steps:

  1. Set the ramp at a low angle (e.g., 15°). Use the protractor to measure.
  2. Place the car at the bottom, attach the spring scale, and pull up at constant speed over a 1 m distance.
  3. Record the force.
  4. Increase the angle to 30° (or next mark) and repeat the measurement.
  5. (If time permits) Test a third angle (e.g., 45°).

Discussion Prompt: How does the incline angle influence the force required?

Group Role Suggestions:

  • Puller: Operates the spring scale smoothly.
  • Recorder: Reads and notes forces and measurements.
  • Checker: Ensures setup and measurements are accurate.

Rotate roles for each station so everyone practices all tasks.

lenny
lenny