Forces and Physical Science Unit plan highlights for

Forces and Physical Science Unit plan highlights for Year 4 Australian Curriculum – Science – Physical Sciences

Structure of presentation Forces and simple machines in our everyday life Galileo Galilei – his work and influence on our understanding of forces Teaching physical science – how students think and learn about forces Inquiry approach for students to explore forces

What are forces?

Simple machines

The Lever Load Force Rod/board Fulcrum

Types of levers Class 1: see-saw, scissors Class 2: wheelbarrow, crowbar Class 3: tweezers, stapler

Galileo Galilei • Early 17 th century Italian • Astronomer • Inventor • Military engineer • Scientific Revolution • Scientific Method

Galileo’s Inventions & Improvements • Water thermometer • Surveying compass • Telescope • Microscope • Pendulum clock

Galileo’s Theories & Studies • Principle of Inertia • Research into gravity • Properties of motion

Work & influence of a person Aristotle Galileo Newton

Teaching physical science

Old Misconceptions? …

…vs New Understandings! “Thus we must choose: … either to think with Galileo, or to imagine with common sense. ” (Koyre, 1943).

But wait, there’s more! General Capabilities Other Key Learning Areas Crosscurricular Capabilities Physic al Science

Inquiry approach forces

Engaging with Levers Fulcrum Rod Force or counterweigh t Load

Exploring with Levers

‘Gaining leverage’ through the 5 E’s

Summary

Conclusion/Reference list