Skip to content
PlayOwl

Science · Grade 6

Forces, Motion and Systems

Learners describe forces as interactions between two objects, define a system and its surroundings, and combine forces along a line to find the net force and predict changes in motion. They investigate friction with the ramp simulation, calculate average speed with units, and read and draw distance–time graphs in which steepness shows speed.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 125 minutes
  • Forces, motion and systems check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, estimate, draw a graph, match pairs and type a number
Try it now (no account) One of the five free starter courses Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Describe forces as pushes or pulls between two interacting objects, classify contact and non-contact forces, and define a system and the external forces on it.
  • Combine forces acting along a line to find the net force, and use balanced and unbalanced forces to predict whether an object's motion will change.
  • Explain how friction depends on the surfaces in contact, use ramp data to compare surfaces, and judge where friction is helpful or unhelpful.
  • Calculate average speed as distance ÷ time with correct units, and interpret and draw distance–time graphs.

Lessons

  1. Forces are interactions 9 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Net force: balanced and unbalanced 8 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  3. Friction 8 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Speed 8 steps5 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Distance–time graphs 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  6. Forces, motion and systems check 11 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 6th grade science

Guide for grown-ups