Forces and Interactions
In Grade 3, students explore how balanced and unbalanced forces affect the motion of objects. They investigate magnetic and electrical interactions between objects, learn to predict patterns of motion, and design solutions to problems involving forces. Through hands-on investigations, students develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of forces and motion.
Grade Three Expectations for Forces and Interactions
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object
- Define force as a push or pull that can cause an object to move, stop, or change direction
- Identify balanced forces as equal forces acting in opposite directions, resulting in no change in motion
- Identify unbalanced forces as unequal forces that cause a change in motion
- Investigate how the strength and direction of forces affect the motion of objects
- Recognize gravity as a force that pulls objects toward Earth
- Conduct investigations to observe and measure the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces
- Collect and analyze data to provide evidence of the effects of forces on objects
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Three, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during investigations, experiments, and design activities
- Conversations: Student explanations of force and motion concepts, predictions, and design solutions
- Products: Student work samples, including investigation reports, data records, diagrams, and design solutions
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for investigation and design skills
- Rubrics for evaluating student investigations and design solutions
- Performance tasks involving forces, motion, and magnetic interactions
- Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
- Science journals for recording observations, data, and reflections
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- Variety of magnets (bar, horseshoe, ring, disc)
- Materials for testing magnetic properties
- Ramps, balls, and other objects for motion investigations
- Materials for static electricity demonstrations
- Measurement tools (rulers, timers, spring scales)
- OECS Grade 3 Science Curriculum Guide
For Students
- Science journals for recording observations and data
- Materials for building and testing designs
- Data collection sheets and investigation guides
- Force and motion vocabulary cards
- Visual aids and reference materials
Teacher Content Knowledge
Forces and Interactions in Grade 3 builds upon students' earlier experiences with pushing, pulling, and the motion of objects. Students develop a deeper understanding of forces as pushes or pulls that can cause objects to move, stop, or change direction. They learn to distinguish between balanced forces (which result in no change in motion) and unbalanced forces (which cause a change in motion). Students also explore magnetic and electric forces, recognizing that these forces can act at a distance without objects touching. Through hands-on investigations and design challenges, students develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of forces and motion and how these principles can be applied to solve problems.