Lesson 2: Mass, Weight and Normal Force
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will understand the difference between mass and weight and how each can be determined. The concept of an apparent weight will also be investigated and quantified.
How is your weight measured?
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Do you ever experience a change in your weight?
What types of change to your weight might you experience in an elevator? a plane? a carnival ride?
What is normal force?
Mass
Weight
Apparent weight
Normal force
GS1: Questioning
Students can develop and use relevant scientific questions to investigate phenomena, test a hypothesis, conduct an experiment or solve a problem.
GS4: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Students can analyze and interpret scientific data and solve problems using a range of tools, technology and mathematical techniques.
GS5: Explanation & Argumentation
Students can develop, evaluate and critique scientific claims/explanations, arguments and solutions based on evidence from the natural and designed world.
The lesson helps students differentiate between mass and weight and what each actually describes. Students will also analyze how our weight can appear to be more or less in certain situations. This will enhance their understanding of normal force and how it affects other forces introduced later in the unit.
DOK: 1-2
MPS Science Differentiation Strategies
https://tinyurl.com/5n6c24k7
Students will take a ride on the elevator with a scale and use it to calculate the acceleration of the elevator.
GS4: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Students can analyze and interpret scientific data and solve problems using a range of tools, technology and mathematical techniques.
GS5: Explanation & Argumentation
Students can develop, evaluate and critique scientific claims/explanations, arguments and solutions based on evidence from the natural and designed world.