Forces Within: Exploring How Structures Stay Strong!

Science Grades 5th Grade 1:32 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Discover the hidden forces inside buildings and structures that help them stand tall and strong! Learn about compression, tension, torsion, and shear, and how they impact the world around you.

Video Resource

Grade 5 Science: Identifying Internal Forces Acting on Structures

Virtual Elementary School

Duration: 1:32
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Internal forces: forces acting within a structure.
  • Compression: a pressing force.
  • Tension: a pulling force.
  • Torsion: a twisting force
  • Shearing: a sliding force

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define and identify compression, tension, torsion, and shear forces.
  • Students will be able to provide real-world examples of structures experiencing these forces.
  • Students will understand how internal forces influence building design.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think makes buildings and bridges strong. Introduce the idea that forces are at play, both outside and inside the structure.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video "Grade 5 Science: Identifying Internal Forces Acting on Structures."
  • Defining Internal Forces (10 mins)
    Define each internal force (compression, tension, torsion, shear) using simple language and visual aids. Provide examples for each force. For example, you can use a sponge to demonstrate compression and a rubber band to demonstrate tension. Drawing diagrams of each force may be helpful.
  • Real-World Examples (10 mins)
    Discuss real-world examples of structures experiencing these forces. Ask students to brainstorm examples they see every day. (e.g., bridges, buildings, tables, chairs).
  • Activity: Building Challenge (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with materials like straws, tape, and marshmallows. Challenge them to build a structure that can withstand compression (a book placed on top), tension (hanging a weight), torsion (gentle twisting), and shear (pushing the base while holding the top).
  • Wrap-up & Discussion (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts and learning objectives. Facilitate a class discussion about the activity and what they learned about internal forces.

Interactive Exercises

  • Force Identification Worksheet
    Provide students with pictures of different structures and ask them to identify the internal forces acting on each part.
  • Build a Tower!
    Challenge the students to build a tower using simple materials. Students will make a tower and identify the type of force on each part.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for engineers to understand internal forces?
  • Can you think of a time you experienced compression, tension, torsion, or shear?
  • How do you think different materials might react differently to these forces?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Observation
  • Collaboration
  • Scientific vocabulary

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the name for when a material is pressed together?

Correct Answer: Compression

Question 2:

What is the name for when a material is pulled apart?

Correct Answer: Tension

Question 3:

Which force involves the twisting of a material?

Correct Answer: Torsion

Question 4:

What is it called when two parts of a structure slide in opposite directions?

Correct Answer: Shearing

Question 5:

The weight of a roof pressing down on the walls is an example of what force?

Correct Answer: Compression

Question 6:

When floors in a building are pulled to support the weight above them, it's an example of:

Correct Answer: Tension

Question 7:

What force can affect tall buildings in high winds?

Correct Answer: Torsion

Question 8:

What type of force is acting on a rope that is being used to pull a heavy object?

Correct Answer: Tension

Question 9:

If you squeeze a ball of clay in your hand, what force are you applying?

Correct Answer: Compression

Question 10:

Which internal force is most likely acting on the legs of a table supporting a heavy book?

Correct Answer: Compression

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

________ forces are forces that act on a structure from the inside.

Correct Answer: Internal

Question 2:

When a material is pressed together, it experiences ________.

Correct Answer: compression

Question 3:

The force that pulls a material apart is called ________.

Correct Answer: tension

Question 4:

________ is the twisting of a material.

Correct Answer: Torsion

Question 5:

When parts of a structure slide in opposite directions, it's called ________.

Correct Answer: shearing

Question 6:

The weight of a book on a table creates ________ in the table legs.

Correct Answer: compression

Question 7:

A rope being used to lift a heavy object experiences ________.

Correct Answer: tension

Question 8:

Wind can cause ________ on a tall building.

Correct Answer: torsion

Question 9:

Internal forces are important because they influence ________ ________.

Correct Answer: building designs

Question 10:

Without proper designs, internal forces can cause ________ to collapse.

Correct Answer: buildings

Educational Standards

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

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans