Begin the lesson by discussing everyday experiences where friction is at play, such as sliding a block across the floor. This helps students relate the concept to real-life situations.
Go to the LessonLearning Objectives
- Understand the concept of friction as a contact force that slows down and stops objects.
- Identify examples of friction in everyday situations.
- Describe how friction acts as an invisible brake between two surfaces in contact.
Introduction and Hook
Direct Instruction
Introduce the concept of friction as a contact force that slows down and stops objects. Use examples like a wooden block sliding on the floor to illustrate how friction acts as an invisible brake.
Guided Exploration
Engage students in identifying examples of friction in their environment, such as shoes on a floor or brakes on a bicycle.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct an experiment where students slide different materials (e.g., rubber, wood, metal) across a surface to observe the effects of friction.
Independent Practice
Assign students to find and document examples of friction in their home or school environment, noting how it affects movement.
Check for Understanding
Review and Reflection
Have students share their findings from the independent practice and discuss how friction plays a role in each example.
Assessment and Extension
Use the 'Set It in Motion!' assessment to further explore the concept of forces and motion, encouraging hands-on experimentation.
Encourage students to take the quiz 'Can You Describe How Things Move?' to reinforce their understanding of motion concepts.
Try the Quiz