Forces All Around: Static vs. Dynamic Loads

Science Grades 5th Grade 1:26 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the world of external forces acting on structures! Learn the difference between static and dynamic loads with real-world examples like bridges and trucks.

Video Resource

Grade 5 Science: Identifying External Forces Acting on Structures

Virtual Elementary School

Duration: 1:26
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • External Forces
  • Static Loads
  • Dynamic Loads

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define external forces and differentiate between static and dynamic loads.
  • Students will be able to identify examples of static and dynamic loads acting on structures.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think holds up buildings, bridges, and other structures. Briefly discuss the idea of forces acting on these structures.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the 'Grade 5 Science: Identifying External Forces Acting on Structures' video. Encourage students to take notes on the different types of forces mentioned.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, discuss the key concepts: external forces, static loads, and dynamic loads. Ask students to provide their own examples of each, relating to structures they see every day.
  • Activity: Force Detectives (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Each group will choose a structure (e.g., a desk, a window, a building in a picture). They will then brainstorm and list the external forces acting on that structure, classifying each force as either static or dynamic.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the main concepts and answer any remaining questions. Preview the assessment for the next day.

Interactive Exercises

  • Force Sort
    Create a digital or physical sorting activity where students classify different scenarios (e.g., wind blowing on a house, books on a shelf, a person walking across a bridge) as examples of static or dynamic loads.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the difference between a static and a dynamic load?
  • Can you think of a time when a static load could become a dynamic load, or vice versa?
  • What are some ways that engineers design structures to withstand external forces?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Classification

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is a force that acts on a structure from the outside called?

Correct Answer: External Force

Question 2:

Which of these is an example of a static load?

Correct Answer: The weight of a book on a table

Question 3:

Which of these is an example of a dynamic load?

Correct Answer: Wind pushing against a building

Question 4:

What force constantly pulls objects towards the center of the Earth?

Correct Answer: Gravity

Question 5:

A truck driving across a bridge is an example of which kind of load?

Correct Answer: Dynamic

Question 6:

Which of the following describes a static load?

Correct Answer: A force that doesn't move or change

Question 7:

Why is wind considered a dynamic load?

Correct Answer: It moves and changes

Question 8:

What is another word for forces acting on a structure?

Correct Answer: Loads

Question 9:

If a bird lands on a branch of a tree, is it demonstrating a static or dynamic load?

Correct Answer: Static

Question 10:

Which is NOT an example of an external force?

Correct Answer: The strength of the materials used to build a structure

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

_______ forces are forces that act on a structure from the outside.

Correct Answer: External

Question 2:

A force that doesn't move or change is called a _______ load.

Correct Answer: static

Question 3:

A force that moves or changes is called a _______ load.

Correct Answer: dynamic

Question 4:

_______ is a constant force that pulls down on structures.

Correct Answer: Gravity

Question 5:

The weight of a truck moving across a bridge is an example of a ________ load.

Correct Answer: dynamic

Question 6:

A structure must be able to withstand ________ forces to stay standing

Correct Answer: external

Question 7:

________ is always moving and changing, making it a dynamic load.

Correct Answer: Wind

Question 8:

The weight of the ________ on a bridge is a static load.

Correct Answer: bridge

Question 9:

Engineers need to understand external forces so they can ________ safe structures.

Correct Answer: build

Question 10:

If you put a pile of books on a desk that pile is a ______ load

Correct Answer: static

Educational Standards

5.PS2.1:Support an argument, with evidence, that Earth's gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the earth.

Teaching Materials

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