Lesson 4: Collisions 4
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
1. Students will test different materials to see how much they bend (deform) when different amounts of force are pushed against them.
2. Create and read graphs to compare how easily different objects stretch or bend.
3. Explain the difference between an object bending and bouncing back (elastic) versus being permanently dented or broken (inelastic).
4. Identify the "elastic limit" and "breaking point" of an object based on data.
5. Explain how an object's material, shape, and thickness change how much force it can take before it gets permanently ruined or shatters.
How much do you have to push on any object to get it to deform (temporarily vs. permanently)?
collision
force
kinetic energy
damage
contact force
deform
line of best fit
elastic limit
breaking point
Independent variable
dependent variable
peak force
free body diagram
concussion
axon
stored (potential) energy
air resistance
friction
MS-PS2-1
MS-PS2-2
MS-PS3-1
MS-LS1-8
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
Description:
Students will conduct hands-on experiments by applying different amounts of force to various objects to measure exactly how much they bend. After graphing their data, students will build a scientific model that maps out the "survival zones" of a solid object—from the safe zone where it bounces back, to the danger zone where it stays permanently dented, to the ultimate breaking point.
Purpose:
Students will discover the engineering math behind why a plastic ruler can bend a little and snap back, but breaks if bent too far. By understanding "elastic limits," students learn how engineers select the perfect thickness, shape, and material to build everything from protective phone cases to safe, crash-resistant cars.
DOK 3
For English Language Learners (ELL) & Emerging Readers: Provide a color-coded visual guide or a labeled diagram defining the three main stages of force: Elastic Zone (green/bounces back), Permanent Damage (yellow/elastic limit), and Breaking Point (red/cracks).
For Students Needing Extra Support (Scaffolding): Provide pre-scaled graph paper where the X-axis (Force) and Y-axis (Bending/Deformation) are already labeled, allowing them to focus entirely on plotting their data points accurately.
For Kinesthetic & Visual Learners: Use physical springs, rubber bands, and plastic spoons during the introduction so students can feel the exact mechanical transition from "bending safely" to "stretching permanently" before looking at abstract data graphs.
Formative Assessment