Off the Rails (4th-5th)

Forces and Motion

Grades 4-5

5.P3U1.4 5.P3U2.5 S4P3a P.5.6.4 4.PS2.A.1 4.PS2.A.2 4.C.7TEKS S.5.7.ATEKS S.5.7.B 5.PS2.1 5.PS2.2

Storyline

Using their knowledge of forces and motion, the crew will fend off pesky GAL-Delilahs that are disassembling train tracks in Taipan.

After RALF and his robotic friends go head-to-head with a swarm of a GAL-Delilahs, the crew will determine which of our forces are most in need of backup by analyzing balanced and unbalanced forces in action. Then, when tensions escalate and the GAL's raise up a track with a train on it, students will observe patterns in data to figure out how far the train will go if released from a certain height in order to decide where to put protection to keep the train from crashing.

Est. time: 32 min.

Targeted Standards

5.P3U1.4 Obtain, analyze, and communicate evidence of the effects that balanced and unbalanced forces have on the motion of objects.

5.P3U2.5 Define problems and design solutions pertaining to force and motion.

S4P3a Plan and carry out an investigation on the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object and communicate the results.

P.5.6.4 Plan and conduct scientific investigations to test the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the speed and/or direction of objects in motion.

4.PS2.A.1 Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

4.PS2.A.2 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

4.C.7 Engage collaboratively to accomplish a common goal or purpose.

TEKS S.5.7.A Investigate and explain how equal and unequal forces acting on an object cause patterns of motion and transfer of energy.

TEKS S.5.7.B 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.

5.PS2.1 Test the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the speed and direction of motion of objects.

5.PS2.2 Make observations and measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Patterns in motion can be observed and measured to predict future motion.

Science and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Students are engaged in examining the information related to forces and motion and applying it to make informed decisions. In the first investigation, students are presented with data on the forces exerted by the GAL-Delilahs and the drones in a tug-of-war scenario.

Developing and Using Models

Students use a computer model to predict the train's motion based on the height of the tracks. Students use the model and corresponding data to determine where to place the HELP based on the data and the height of the tracks.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

By observing the strengths of the GAL-Delilahs and the drones, students can predict the outcome of the struggle and identify where their intervention is needed.

Cause and Effect

By intervening in this situation, students can directly observe how their actions influence the outcome of the tug-of-war.

Systems and System Models

Throughout the mission, students observe several systems in action, such as the forces exerted by the GAL-Delilahs and the drones, as well as the motion of the train influenced by the height of the tracks.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS2.B: Types of Interactions

Objects in contact exert forces on each other.