Force Field Vocab Organizers
PHYSICS RESEARCH JOURNAL
FORCE FIELD NOTES
NAME:
DATE:
TARGET CONCEPT #1
GRAVITY
"A non-contact pulling force that exists between all objects with mass."
1
My Own Words
Describe gravity in your own words. How would you explain this force to a second-grade student?
2
Gravity Sketch Lab
Draw a diagram showing gravity at work on Earth. Use bold arrows to show the direction of the pulling force!
Draw your diagram here...
3
The Laws of Gravity
Gravity depends on two big factors: mass and distance. Fill in the missing words to complete the scientific rules.
RULE #1: MASS
The larger an object's mass is, the  its gravitational pull will be.
RULE #2: DISTANCE
The further apart two objects are, the  their gravitational pull is.
4
Gravity-Free World
If gravity on Earth suddenly switched off right now, what are 3 immediate things that would happen to you and your surroundings?
SYNTHESIS CHALLENGE:
Why doesn't the moon fly away from Earth into deep space, and why doesn't it crash straight down into us?
Unit: Force and Motion Page 1
PHYSICS RESEARCH JOURNAL
FORCE FIELD NOTES
NAME:
DATE:
TARGET CONCEPT #2
FRICTION
"A contact force that opposes motion when two surfaces rub against each other."
1
Defining Friction
What makes friction happen? Explain what occurs when two micro-rough surfaces slide past each other.
2
The Surface Spectrum
Label the endpoints. Name or draw a texture with high friction and one with low friction.
🔴 LOW FRICTION 🟢 HIGH FRICTION
Example Surface:
Example Surface:
3
Friend or Foe?
Friction isn't always good, and it isn't always bad. Give an example for each situation below.
WHEN WE NEED FRICTION (HELPFUL):
WHEN WE WANT TO REDUCE IT (PROBLEM):
4
Friction Quick-Lab
Rub your hands together as fast as you can for 10 seconds. Observe closely. Write down what you feel and why this happens.
I FEEL:
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT:
FRICTION BRAIN TEASER:
Why do rain or ice on a highway make driving extremely dangerous for cars?
Unit: Force and Motion Page 2
PHYSICS RESEARCH JOURNAL
FORCE FIELD NOTES
NAME:
DATE:
TARGET CONCEPT #3
BALANCED FORCES
"Equal and opposite forces acting on an object, resulting in zero change in motion."
1
What is Balance?
What happens to an object's speed or direction when the forces acting on it are completely balanced?
2
Net Force Diagram
Fill in the boxes to create a balanced force equation on this blocks. Net force must equal 0 Newtons!
PULL LEFT:
N
OBJECT
PULL RIGHT:
N
NET FORCE VALUE: 0 NEWTONS (0 N)
3
Classroom Hunt
Find two objects in your room that are completely still. List them below and name the opposite forces acting on them to keep them balanced.
OBJECT A:
Opposite Forces: Gravity pulls down / Surface pushes _________
OBJECT B:
Opposite Forces: Gravity pulls down / Surface pushes _________
4
Unbalanced!
What happens if the forces on an object suddenly become unbalanced? Explain how the object's speed or direction will change.
SCIENTIFIC CONCLUSION:
Can an object be moving at a constant speed in a straight line and still have balanced forces? Explain why.
Unit: Force and Motion Page 3
PHYSICS RESEARCH JOURNAL
FORCE FIELD NOTES
NAME:
DATE:
TARGET CONCEPT #4
MAGNETISM
"An invisible force pull or push created by magnetic fields, affecting certain metals."
1
Magnetism in Words
Explain what magnetism is. Is it a contact force or a non-contact force? Why?
2
The Laws of Poles
Write ATTRACT (pull together) or REPEL (push apart) for each combination:
NORTH + SOUTH ➡️ ⬅️
NORTH + NORTH ⬅️ ➡️
SOUTH + SOUTH ⬅️ ➡️
3
Magnetic Field Lab
Draw the invisible force field lines flowing between the poles of this magnet.
NORTH (N)
SOUTH (S)
Draw fields lines surrounding magnet...
4
The Magnetic Sort
Not all metals are magnetic. Search your mind (or classroom) and sort the items below!
🧲 MAGNETIC
đźš« NON-MAGNETIC
REAL-WORLD SCIENCE CONNECTION:
How does a small compass needle use Earth's invisible magnetic field to help explorers find north?
Unit: Force and Motion Page 4
