10th Grade Contact And Non-Contact Force Lesson Plan Example (Science)

Topic: Contact and non-contact Force

Objectives & Outcomes

• Define contact and non-contact force and give examples of each
• Calculate the magnitude of the contact and non-contact force using the law of universal gravitation
• Explain the difference between the contact and non-contact force and its impact on the movement of objects

Materials

• Law of universal gravitation formula
• Objects with known weight (e.g. cans, books)
• Calculator
• Pen and paper for recording calculations

Warm-up

• Ask the students if they have ever been pushed or pulled by someone. Ask them to describe the push or pull and how it felt. Have the students draw a diagram of the push or pull and label the forces as contact or non-contact.
• Ask the students if they have ever pushed or pulled an object. Ask them to describe the push or pull and how it affected the object. Have the students draw a diagram of the push or pull and label the forces as contact or non-contact.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of force and its types, including contact and non-contact.
• Discuss the concept of weight and how it is related to gravity.
• Demonstrate how to calculate weight using a balance scale.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into pairs and provide each pair with a balance scale and a set of weights.
• Have the pairs calculate the weight of each classmate using the balance scale.
• Encourage discussion about how to accurately use the balance scale.
• Assist with any questions or problems as needed.

Independent Practice

• Have students work in pairs to measure the weights of several random objects (e.g. books, chairs, objects from the classroom).
• Have students use the results to create a data table or graph showing the relationship between weight and size/density for the objects they measured.
• Encourage students to discuss any unexpected results or challenges they encountered.

Closure

• Review the concept of force and its units.
• Ask students to share any interesting or surprising results from their independent practice activities.
• Review the concept of weight and its relationship to gravity and size/density.
• Ask students to reflect on the importance of understanding force and weight in their daily lives.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided practice and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of the concept of force and its units.
• Have students complete a short quiz or written reflection on their understanding of force and weight.
• Evaluate the wooden toy car projects for their accuracy and understanding of the concept of weight and gravity.