Grade 7 Unit 5 The Wonder of Physics
In this unit, your child will dive into the science of motion, force, and energy, building on their Grade 6 physics explorations. The lessons follow a phenomenological approach: students first observe real demonstrations, then discover the scientific laws behind them. This nurtures curiosity, patience, and the ability to think critically about the world around them.
They will:
- Explore Newton’s three laws of motion through hands-on experiments with inertia, force, and action-reaction.
- Investigate the six simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, and screw, and see how they reduce effort and create balance.
- Learn how concepts like friction, balance, and leverage affect motion and the energy required to move objects.
- Develop critical thinking by making hypotheses, recording observations, and analyzing results.
- Hear the stories of Galileo, Newton, and Archimedes, discovering how curiosity and perseverance shaped our understanding of science.
- Apply their learning in a Flex Week project, designing and building a model (like a shaduf) that demonstrates motion, force, and energy in action.
Children discover that physics is not just formulas, but the living principles of balance, motion, and energy at work in the world. By experimenting, reflecting, and creating, they gain both scientific understanding and an inner sense of wonder at the forces that shape life.
This purchase includes one digital curriculum unit with 15 days of lesson plans and 5 days of flexible projects. This unit will inspire you with beautiful images, clear instructions and exciting project ideas.
And that's not all. You will also gain access to the Wonder Hub, which includes supporting documents, videos, resources, and community.
The Wonder of Physics
Learning Standards
Concept: Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.
Connection: Your child will hear about the development of the science of motion, force and energy. They will work with a phenomenological process of discovery in this unit that will allow them first to observe a phenomenon and then hear about the law. This process gives rise to an inner feeling for the law and is the very essence of curiosity.
Science:
Concept: Forces influence the motion of an object.
Connection: Your child will hear about Newton's laws of motion and observe several demonstrations of the six simple machines. They will have hands-on opportunities to make hypotheses, design, and create their own simple machines, ensuring their active engagement in the learning process.
Concept: An object's motion can be predicted, analyzed, and described.
Connection: Your child will observe many demonstrations to support their deep understanding of motion, force, and energy.