Mississippi Science P.6.6.2
The Standard
- P.6.6
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of Newton’s laws of motion using real world models and examples.
Use mathematical computation and diagrams to calculate the sum of forces acting on various objects.
2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Motions, Forces, and Energy
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students draw arrows to show the forces acting on one object. They add forces in the same direction and subtract forces in opposite directions to find the net force.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can label each force in newtons and point each arrow the right way. They can calculate the net force and state its direction, or say it is zero.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may add opposing forces instead of subtracting them. They may leave out the direction or think a zero net force means an object must be stopped.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A box has an 8 N push right and a 3 N push left. Draw both force arrows, then give the net force and its direction.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs paper arrows scaled at 1 cm per newton; have them model two pulls on a toy wagon and find the net force.
Ask students to explain in writing how a cart can keep moving when the forces on it add to zero.
Hand out force cards with amounts and directions; pairs draw each set and race to calculate the net force.
Sketch a shopping cart with a 60 N push right and 20 N of friction left; have students find the net force.
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Printable P.6.6.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to P.6.6.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- PHY.2.3
Use mathematical and graphical techniques to solve vector problems and find net forces acting on a body using free-body diagrams and/or online simulations.
- PHY.2.9
Draw diagrams of forces applied to an object and predict the angle of incline that will result in unbalanced forces acting on the object.
- PHY.2.6
Use mathematical and computational analysis to explore forces (e.g., friction, force applied, normal, and tension).
- PHS.5.4
Use mathematical and computational analyses to show the relationships among force, mass, and acceleration (i.e., Newton’s second law).
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