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Force and Motion Tension

Shared by Suzanne Woolworth

Details

Space: 
inside
Time: 
1-2 hours
Subject: 
Science
Grades: 
3rd Grade
Key Terms: 
tension
constant
independent variable
dependent variable
slope
speed
pull
push
Gravity
Materials: 
rope
string
yarn
pulley mechanism
LEGO bricks
plates
mini-figurines
dixie cup
pipe cleaner

Lesson Overview

Teacher Overview:

Introduction: What is tension (pulling force)? How do you know? What do you think you know? 

  • Record ideas on chart

  • Are there any special words, thoughts, or ideas we should keep in mind?

Essential Question: How do we get objects to move when they are in contact with each other? What is tension? 

Today students will be given string, a pulley mechanism and LEGO materials or dixie cup and pipe cleaner to create a “basket” for LEGO person. After the basket is created, students will create a zipline for their LEGO person to travel down. What is causing tension? What will your constant be?

 

 

Possible challenges include 

  • Change the slope. What happens to the speed?

  • What is causing the downward pull?

  • What is causing LEGO person to slow down?

  • Are there multiple ways to cause LEGO person to change speed?

  • What happens when tension on the cord is less / more?

  • Is the LEGO person’s / zipline’s change dependent or independent of other variables? 

  • Record and chart data

 

3PS2.1

3PS2.2

3PS2.4

Student Summary: 

What is tension (pulling force)? How do you know? What do you think you know? 

  • Record ideas on chart

  • Are there any special words, thoughts, or ideas we should keep in mind? Today students will be given string, a pulley mechanism and LEGO materials or dixie cup and pipe cleaner to create a “basket” for LEGO person. After the basket is created, students create a zipline for their LEGO person to travel down. What is causing tension? What will your constant be? 

Lesson Phases

Plan

Explain your plan.
Description: 
Sketch a quick draw of what your lego zip line will look like. Include the basket and carrying case to hold the character and potential slope.

Create

What is causing the downward pull?
What is causing the LEGO person to slow down?
Description: 
Use the materials provided to create a basket for your character and a zip line.

Improve

What happens when tension on the cord is less or more?
What other variables is the LEGO character's zip line dependent or independent on?
Description: 
What can you do to speed up your LEGO character?

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