Grade 4 Science TEKS 4.7A:Patterns of Forces

Learning Target: I can explain the force of gravity on objects.

Focuses On:

• How gravity can change the direction of moving objects.
• How gravity acts on objects in different scenarios.

Builds On:

3.7A:

demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls

Next Level:

5.7B:

design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object in a system such as a car on a ramp or a balloon rocket on a string

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of gravity in action.

The lesson begins with an introduction to how gravity can change the direction of moving objects. It then provides students with many different scenarios in which gravity is in play to help them analyze and apply their knowledge.

This lesson builds on standard 3.7A, where students were introduced to gravity in terms of pulling objects downward, and prepares students for standard 5.7B, where they will investigate gravity as a force in experiments.

Learning Target: I can explain the force of magnetism on objects.

Focuses On:

• How and why magnets attract and repel
• Magnetism in action

Builds On:

3.7A:

demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls

Next Level:

5.7B:

design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object in a system such as a car on a ramp or a balloon rocket on a string

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support student understanding of magnetic principles, with a specific focus on how the interaction between north and south poles governs magnetic behavior.

The lesson begins by introducing the poles of a magnet and explores the forces of attraction and repulsion that occur when poles are brought together.

This lesson builds upon prior knowledge from standard 3.7A, where students were introduced to magnetism as a force, and prepares students for the more complex experimental designs involving magnetism in standard 5.7B.

Learning Target: I can explain the force of friction on objects.

Focuses On:

• What friction is
• The effects of frictions

Builds On:

3.7A:

demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls

Next Level:

5.7B:

design a simple experimental investigation that tests the effect of force on an object in a system such as a car on a ramp or a balloon rocket on a string

Read More:

This lesson supports students in developing a conceptual understanding of friction as a force, with a specific focus on its causes and effects.

Students will explore the definition of friction, investigate its different sources, and observe its impact on various physical interactions.

Serving as a bridge between standards, this lesson expands upon the introductory concept of friction from 3.7A and prepares students for the more advanced experimental investigations involving forces in 5.7B.