Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 08/22/04

3-4

I3: Generate examples illustrating that when something is pushed or pulled, it exerts a reaction force.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

  • What causes objects to move?
  • What is a force?
  • How can you change the motion of this object by using a force?
  • When you push or pull an object, what happens?
Elaboration

Anytime that you push or pull on something, there will be a push or pull back From a scientific point of view forces always "come in pairs." For every force there is an equal and opposite reaction: a mug on a table exerts a force on the table; the table exerts an equal and opposite force on the mug. Driver pg. 151.

Specific Ideas
  • The position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling. NSES B2c.
  • The size of the change is related to the strength of the push or pull. NSES B2c.
Developmental & Instructional Implications

The concept of a reaction force is a difficult concept to teach at this age level. Developmentally more appropriate at the high school level.

Examples
  • Let the air out of a balloon and the balloon goes up. Use balloon rockets on strings.
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