Virginia SOL 3.2

3.2 is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 3.2.a

  multiple forces may act on an object

• 3.2.b

  the net force on an object determines how an object moves

• 3.2.c

  simple machines increase or change the direction of a force

• 3.2.d

  simple and compound machines have many applications.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students compare pushes and pulls by size and direction, then predict how an object will move. They combine multiple forces and examine how simple and compound machines change the force needed.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Students use force arrows to find the overall direction of a push or pull and predict changes in motion. They identify simple machines in tools and explain how each changes force.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think balanced forces mean no forces are present, or that every force makes an object move. They may also think machines create force or remove the need to apply force.

04

How to Assess It

Give students a drawing of a wagon with a 6-unit force to the right and a 2-unit force to the left. Ask for the net force and predicted motion.

1. 01

   Attach strings to a toy cart, apply equal and unequal pulls from opposite sides, and record the cart’s direction each time.

2. 02

   Ask students to draw and explain what happens when two people push a box in opposite directions with different force sizes.

3. 03

   Play a force-arrow card game where students combine two arrows, state the net force, and move a game piece correctly.

4. 04

   Examine scissors, bottle openers, and ramps, then identify their simple machine parts and explain how each changes the applied force.

• PS.8

  The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. Key ideas include

• 5.3

  The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between force and energy of moving objects. Key ideas include

• K.2

  The student will investigate and understand that pushes and pulls affect the motion of objects. Key ideas include

• 2.2

  The student will investigate and understand that different types of forces may cause an object's motion to change. Key ideas include