Force and Motion Incursion (Levels 3/4)

In this fast-paced 90-minute incursion, students investigate different forces to learn more about the relationship between force and motion. Students explore the effect of friction, and learn about the forces of attraction and repulsion between magnets. Students are challenged with testing a reaction rocket to investigate air resistance and gravity. Our passionate science educators carefully guide students through each step, prompting students to predict, observe and reflect on each activity.

• Students will investigate how forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance.
• This topic encourages students to predict, test, collect data, and discuss results.

• Discuss the relationship between force and motion.
• Use a spring scale to measure and record forces when moving a weight in different ways.
• Explore the effect of friction using different surfaces.
• Investigate how movement is affected by high and low levels of friction. 
• Use an inertia apparatus to observe Newton’s First Law in action. 
• Test a reaction rocket to investigate air resistance and gravity.
• Investigate the forces of attraction and repulsion between magnets

• Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (VCSSU064);
• Science knowledge helps people to understand the effects of their actions (VCSSU056)
• Reflect on an investigation, including whether a test was fair or not (VCSIS071);
• Represent and communicate observations, ideas and findings to show patterns and relationships using formal and informal scientific language (VCSIS072).