This 3-page 3rd grade sheet looks at both sides of friction. Page 1 lists ten everyday examples, from bike brakes and a pencil eraser to a door that squeaks and sticks, and students sort them into a Friction Helps column and a Friction Gets in the Way column. Page 2 asks how people make less friction and for one new example in each column. Page 3 has the sorted chart and sample answers.
“Describe everyday situations where friction is useful and where it gets in the way.”
Page 1 question 1 sorts ten examples, and page 2 question 2 asks for one new example of each kind.
“Name ways to reduce friction.”
Page 2 question 1, with oil, wheels and smoother surfaces as expected answers.
Ten examples in two lists and a two-column chart with ten lines per column. Five belong under helps: bike brakes, shoe treads, rubbing hands, a pencil eraser and striking a match. Five belong under gets in the way, including a sled on sticky snow and a heavy box on carpet.
Question 1 asks how people make less friction, next to a picture of a boy pushing a box on a cart. Question 2 asks for one new example in each column.
The sorted chart, the ways to cut friction (oil or grease, wheels or rollers, smoother surfaces) and sample examples such as cleats on grass and a dry bike chain.
Surprise cards
Striking a match and a pencil eraser surprise many students as friction at work. Ask for a show of hands on which column they chose before you reveal the key.
Playground follow-up
Send students to find one example of friction at recess, then add it to question 2. The swing chains and the slide usually come up.
Exit ticket
Use question 1 alone at the end of a lesson. Oil, wheels and smoother surfaces are the answers to listen for.
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