An important introductory lesson on force and distance would be to analyze what force and distance are. For instance, force is measured in newtons. A single newton of force is defined as the force needed to move a one-kilogram mass at an acceleration of one meter per second squared, or 1 newton = 1 kg m/sec2. Distance, on the other hand, is simply a measurement in space, along a straight line or curve, from one point to another.
One key component of force and distance is their relationship with work. In fact, the total applied force multiplied by the total distance traveled by an object, equals the work that was done. An interesting elementary school lesson would be to analyze difference scenarios in which force was exerted on an object. For instance, students could look at the difference between how much work is done when a 2,000-pound stationary car is pushed five meters, compared to a 0.2-ounce stationary pencil pushed the same distance.
A fun and educational activity on force and distance for students to partake in would be a real world project. One great in-class project would be for students to use pulleys. Students could try pulling different objects, such as a stapler, with a single pulley, and then note their findings in a logbook. Students could then attach a second and even a third pulley to the original single pulley and note how this makes pulling the object easier but requires more distance of rope. This is because simple machines require less input force but greater input distance to move objects.
Another important science lesson plan dealing with force and distance would be to look at the history of the two measurements. Students should become acquainted with the formulas, theories and life of Isaac Newton because he worked with basic physics concepts. Newton stands as one of the preeminent scientific and radical thinkers in science because his work probably legitimized science more than any other person. Taking a look at Newton's three laws of physics would be an educational and beneficial way to simultaneously learn about Newton's work while studying force and distance.