Force

Grade 4 · General Science

Semester 1 | Period 2 | Week 11

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Subject: General Science

Semester: 1

Period: 2

Week: 11


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: General science
Grade Level: Grade 4
Date: Week 11
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 11, Period 2
Topic: Force
Sub-topic: Measurement of Force – Using a Spring Balance

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Identify a spring balance
Use the spring balance to measure force
Record readings of force in Newtons

Previous Knowledge
Students already know that force is measured in Newtons

Instructional Materials
Spring balance
Charts showing how to use a spring balance
Objects of different weights such as books, pens, and small bags

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher shows a spring balance and asks: “Who has seen this before? What do you think it is used for?” Teacher introduces measuring force with a spring balance.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Learners listen carefully as the teacher explains that a spring balance is used to measure force in Newtons (N).
  • Learners observe a demonstration of using a spring balance:
    • Teacher hangs an object (e.g., a small bag or bottle) on the spring balance.
    • Learners watch how the spring stretches and the reading on the scale indicates the force.
  • Learners take turns measuring different classroom objects such as books, pencils, or small bags using the spring balance.
  • Learners record their readings in a table in their notebooks and compare the forces of different objects.
  • Learners discuss why different objects give different readings and relate it to the weight and size of the objects.

Assessment Checks:

  • Teacher asks: “What instrument is used to measure force?” (Expected answer: Spring balance)
  • Teacher asks learners to record the force of one measured object and report the reading.
  • Teacher observes learners during practical use to ensure they understand how to handle the spring balance correctly and read the scale.

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Spring balance: An instrument used to measure force in Newtons (N).
  • How it works: When an object is hung on the spring, the spring stretches. The scale shows the force exerted by the object.
  • Key points:
    • Different objects produce different readings depending on their weight or mass.
    • Spring balances can measure light to medium forces and are commonly used in classroom experiments.
    • Correct reading requires holding the balance vertically and avoiding swinging the object.
  • Examples for learners:
    • Measuring a book, pencil, water bottle, or small toy
    • Comparing which objects require more or less force to lift

Assignment/Homework:

  1. At home or school, use a spring balance (if available) to measure the force of three objects and record the readings in Newtons.
  2. Draw a table showing three objects and their measured forces, and identify which object required the most force.
  3. If a spring balance is not available, predict the relative force required to lift different objects and explain why.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Teacher revises the use of a spring balance. Learners explain in their own words how it works and practice with objects.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Learners write the name of the instrument used to measure force and what unit it measures in. Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
Draw and label a spring balance.

Follow-up Activity:
Learners measure at home objects like bags of books or fruits with a scale and compare their force.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Teacher allows learners to handle and use the spring balance. Learners who struggle with writing may explain orally.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low