Standard 3, Objective 2

Utah Core, 3rd Grade Science

Standard 3, Objective 2 
Demonstrate that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater the change in speed or direction of the object.

1. Predict and observe what happens when a force is applied to an object (e.g., wind, flowing water). 
2. Compare and chart the relative effects of a force of the same strength on objects of different weight (e.g., the breeze from a fan will move a piece of paper but may not move a piece of cardboard). 
3. Compare the relative effects of forces of different strengths on an object (e.g., strong wind affects an object differently than a breeze). 
4. Conduct a simple investigation to show what happens when objects of various weights collide with one another (e.g., marbles, balls). 
5. Show how these concepts apply to various activities (e.g., batting a ball, kicking a ball, hitting a golf ball with a golf club) in terms of force, motion, speed, direction, and distance (e.g. slow, fast, hit hard, hit soft). 

Demonstration:

Use the following video to introduce the idea of forces being balanced and unbalanced, and pulling in different directions.

http://www.visuallearningsys.com/subscription/middle_school/force_and_newtons_laws/content_clips/direction_of_forces

Activity:

Put kids in groups for the following experiment. Inflate two latex balloons to the same size. Place them side by side on the floor. Have one student blow as hard as he can on one balloon. Note how far it moves with a piece of tape on the floor. Then place a strong fan behind the other balloon and indicate how far it moves. Discuss how a stronger force applied results in a greater effect on the object.

Essential Questions:

1. What happens when two unbalanced forces are pulling in opposite directions?

2. What is one way you can apply more force if you are trying to move something heavy?