Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces resources offer engaging, student-centered materials for teaching middle school science concepts. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Complete 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, multi-day resource designed for middle school students. Using the 5E instructional model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), it provides a student-centered learning experience with minimal prep time for teachers. The lesson is adaptable for various learning styles and offers both print and digital formats.
Students will explore balanced and unbalanced forces through a differentiated station lab, multimodal activities, and projects. They’ll engage with reading, research, videos, and hands-on experiments, allowing for a dynamic understanding of how unbalanced forces change the position, speed, and direction of objects. The lesson includes editable PowerPoints, note-taking templates, and resources in English and Spanish to support diverse learners.
The unit concludes with assessment tools, student-choice projects, and reinforcement activities for early finishers, ensuring a thorough grasp of key concepts while offering flexibility for both in-class and remote learning environments.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Complete 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, multi-day resource designed for middle school students. Using the 5E instructional model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation), it provides a student-centered learning experience with minimal prep time for teachers. The lesson is adaptable for various learning styles and offers both print and digital formats.
Students will explore balanced and unbalanced forces through a differentiated station lab, multimodal activities, and projects. They’ll engage with reading, research, videos, and hands-on experiments, allowing for a dynamic understanding of how unbalanced forces change the position, speed, and direction of objects. The lesson includes editable PowerPoints, note-taking templates, and resources in English and Spanish to support diverse learners.
The unit concludes with assessment tools, student-choice projects, and reinforcement activities for early finishers, ensuring a thorough grasp of key concepts while offering flexibility for both in-class and remote learning environments.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Station Lab offers an engaging, student-led approach to learning. With eight differentiated stations and a challenge station for early finishers, this modular setup allows students to explore force and motion concepts independently or in small groups, with minimal teacher direction.
Each station provides a unique, multimodal activity, such as hands-on demonstrations, reading and research tasks, videos, and creative assignments like drawing and writing. The stations also include resources like task cards, literature, and signage to guide students through the process. A digital version allows for virtual learning and easy adaptability for 1:1 environments.
Designed to maximize student involvement and minimize prep time, this station lab fosters an interactive and personalized learning experience, making it perfect for both in-class and remote settings.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Station Lab offers an engaging, student-led approach to learning. With eight differentiated stations and a challenge station for early finishers, this modular setup allows students to explore force and motion concepts independently or in small groups, with minimal teacher direction.
Each station provides a unique, multimodal activity, such as hands-on demonstrations, reading and research tasks, videos, and creative assignments like drawing and writing. The stations also include resources like task cards, literature, and signage to guide students through the process. A digital version allows for virtual learning and easy adaptability for 1:1 environments.
Designed to maximize student involvement and minimize prep time, this station lab fosters an interactive and personalized learning experience, making it perfect for both in-class and remote settings.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Student Choice Projects give middle school students the freedom to select from a variety of project options, catering to different learning styles. With nine project choices and a “design your own” option, students can engage creatively with the content, while a flexible grading rubric allows assessments from teachers, peers, or self-assessment.
These projects are adaptable, with two versions available to support a range of learners. The modified version provides additional guidance for students needing extra help, while more challenging options are available for advanced students. The projects can be completed using common classroom supplies, and many can be done digitally, allowing for easy implementation.
The accompanying teacher directions offer valuable suggestions for managing the projects, while the editable rubric ensures a customizable assessment approach based on vocabulary, concepts, and presentation clarity.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Student Choice Projects give middle school students the freedom to select from a variety of project options, catering to different learning styles. With nine project choices and a “design your own” option, students can engage creatively with the content, while a flexible grading rubric allows assessments from teachers, peers, or self-assessment.
These projects are adaptable, with two versions available to support a range of learners. The modified version provides additional guidance for students needing extra help, while more challenging options are available for advanced students. The projects can be completed using common classroom supplies, and many can be done digitally, allowing for easy implementation.
The accompanying teacher directions offer valuable suggestions for managing the projects, while the editable rubric ensures a customizable assessment approach based on vocabulary, concepts, and presentation clarity.
The Kesler Science Force and Motion Interactive Notebook offers a dynamic way to engage students in learning key physics concepts. This resource includes both print and digital versions, making it adaptable for any classroom setting, including traditional, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The notebook covers essential topics such as speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, simple machines, and motion graphing. The digital version includes a PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to platforms like Google Slides, MS Teams, or Canvas. It also features reflection pages, space for note-taking, and a modified version for students with accommodations.
For in-person learning, the paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates with color photos for easy use. Whether online or in the classroom, the Force and Motion Interactive Notebook is a versatile tool that helps students actively engage with and understand the material.
The Kesler Science Force and Motion Interactive Notebook offers a dynamic way to engage students in learning key physics concepts. This resource includes both print and digital versions, making it adaptable for any classroom setting, including traditional, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The notebook covers essential topics such as speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s laws, simple machines, and motion graphing. The digital version includes a PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to platforms like Google Slides, MS Teams, or Canvas. It also features reflection pages, space for note-taking, and a modified version for students with accommodations.
For in-person learning, the paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates with color photos for easy use. Whether online or in the classroom, the Force and Motion Interactive Notebook is a versatile tool that helps students actively engage with and understand the material.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS performance expectations by helping students explore how unbalanced forces affect an object's position, speed, and direction. This engaging lab is available in both hands-on and fully virtual formats. Students can participate in a balloon-straw rocket activity or fly paper airplanes to investigate motion. Both versions include comprehension checks, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and space for reflection.
To support all learners, the lab is offered at three levels of difficulty—Modified, Dependent, and Independent—so teachers can differentiate based on student needs. The Modified version includes structured instructions and sentence stems, the Dependent version blends procedures with guided inquiry, and the Independent version offers a more student-led experience. No materials are needed for the digital version, which includes a full video walkthrough to support students at home or in class.
This flexible resource includes printable and editable versions for classroom use and digital files compatible with Google Slides. Teacher support materials, such as answer keys and preparation guides, are also included to streamline planning. The lab supports multimodal learning and helps middle school students meaningfully engage with core science concepts.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS performance expectations by helping students explore how unbalanced forces affect an object's position, speed, and direction. This engaging lab is available in both hands-on and fully virtual formats. Students can participate in a balloon-straw rocket activity or fly paper airplanes to investigate motion. Both versions include comprehension checks, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and space for reflection.
To support all learners, the lab is offered at three levels of difficulty—Modified, Dependent, and Independent—so teachers can differentiate based on student needs. The Modified version includes structured instructions and sentence stems, the Dependent version blends procedures with guided inquiry, and the Independent version offers a more student-led experience. No materials are needed for the digital version, which includes a full video walkthrough to support students at home or in class.
This flexible resource includes printable and editable versions for classroom use and digital files compatible with Google Slides. Teacher support materials, such as answer keys and preparation guides, are also included to streamline planning. The lab supports multimodal learning and helps middle school students meaningfully engage with core science concepts.
The Kesler Science Net Force Escape Room offers an immersive and interactive way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of net force, balanced, and unbalanced forces. The activity includes eight puzzles that can be used independently or in any order, giving teachers flexibility for various class lengths.
The escape room can be run with simple materials like manila envelopes or more authentically with locks and storage boxes. For online learning, there are digital versions of the puzzles available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats, ensuring students can participate in a virtual setting.
Included in the resource are teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, a digital answer sheet for Google Classroom, and 30 signs for a fun post-challenge photo. This engaging activity encourages critical thinking while making learning about net forces exciting.
The Kesler Science Net Force Escape Room offers an immersive and interactive way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of net force, balanced, and unbalanced forces. The activity includes eight puzzles that can be used independently or in any order, giving teachers flexibility for various class lengths.
The escape room can be run with simple materials like manila envelopes or more authentically with locks and storage boxes. For online learning, there are digital versions of the puzzles available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats, ensuring students can participate in a virtual setting.
Included in the resource are teacher directions, answer keys, editable materials, a digital answer sheet for Google Classroom, and 30 signs for a fun post-challenge photo. This engaging activity encourages critical thinking while making learning about net forces exciting.
The Kesler Science Unbalanced Forces Reading Comprehension activity engages middle school students with a nonfiction article on balanced and unbalanced forces, followed by comprehension questions and a mini-project. Students also observe and explain real-life examples of unbalanced forces, enhancing both their science literacy and reading comprehension.
Designed for grades 6-8, this activity includes two leveled articles (Lexile levels: 1100-1300) with 5-7 corresponding questions and a hands-on mini-project. It features engaging, colorful graphics and a Cornell notes template for student use. The resource is fully adaptable for virtual learning environments such as Google Classroom, MS Teams, and Canvas.
Perfect for absent students, extra credit, or as part of science sub plans, this activity builds students’ science literacy and textual analysis skills while encouraging classroom discussion and interaction. It’s a versatile tool for increasing reading comprehension in science.
The Kesler Science Unbalanced Forces Reading Comprehension activity engages middle school students with a nonfiction article on balanced and unbalanced forces, followed by comprehension questions and a mini-project. Students also observe and explain real-life examples of unbalanced forces, enhancing both their science literacy and reading comprehension.
Designed for grades 6-8, this activity includes two leveled articles (Lexile levels: 1100-1300) with 5-7 corresponding questions and a hands-on mini-project. It features engaging, colorful graphics and a Cornell notes template for student use. The resource is fully adaptable for virtual learning environments such as Google Classroom, MS Teams, and Canvas.
Perfect for absent students, extra credit, or as part of science sub plans, this activity builds students’ science literacy and textual analysis skills while encouraging classroom discussion and interaction. It’s a versatile tool for increasing reading comprehension in science.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in creative and standards-aligned activities to test their understanding of physical science. Using a narrative format, this activity allows students to apply their knowledge while enhancing their writing skills. It’s designed for flexibility, with options for both in-class and distance learning.
This writing prompt is perfect for a variety of classroom needs, from pre-assessment to extra credit, and includes multiple formats such as full-sized and half-sheet handouts, as well as a digital PowerPoint version that works in Google Slides. Teacher directions and rubrics are provided to guide both students and instructors.
Ideal for differentiated learning, this activity supports TEKS and NGSS standards and can be used for cross-curricular integration, early finishers, or as a formative assessment. Whether in-person or remote, it provides an engaging, low-prep option for reinforcing key concepts on unbalanced forces.
The Kesler Science Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in creative and standards-aligned activities to test their understanding of physical science. Using a narrative format, this activity allows students to apply their knowledge while enhancing their writing skills. It’s designed for flexibility, with options for both in-class and distance learning.
This writing prompt is perfect for a variety of classroom needs, from pre-assessment to extra credit, and includes multiple formats such as full-sized and half-sheet handouts, as well as a digital PowerPoint version that works in Google Slides. Teacher directions and rubrics are provided to guide both students and instructors.
Ideal for differentiated learning, this activity supports TEKS and NGSS standards and can be used for cross-curricular integration, early finishers, or as a formative assessment. Whether in-person or remote, it provides an engaging, low-prep option for reinforcing key concepts on unbalanced forces.
The Kesler Science formative Force and Motion WIKI ticket assessments offer flexible, engaging options for checking student understanding. This set includes 14 assessments, each with five formats: a full-screen display version for projection, three handout sizes, and an interactive digital version (PPT or Google Slides). These assessments are aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like speed, unbalanced forces, and Newton’s laws.
WIKI Tickets provide a fun, interactive way to gauge students' progress, perfect for use as exit tickets, bellringers, or formative assessments during lessons. The resource works well in both traditional and virtual learning environments, allowing for easy adaptation to any classroom setting.
Each topic includes multiple formats, making it easy to implement in-person or online. Whether projected in class or completed digitally, these colorful assessments allow for continuous student engagement and real-time understanding checks, helping you monitor student progress throughout the unit.
The Kesler Science formative Force and Motion WIKI ticket assessments offer flexible, engaging options for checking student understanding. This set includes 14 assessments, each with five formats: a full-screen display version for projection, three handout sizes, and an interactive digital version (PPT or Google Slides). These assessments are aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like speed, unbalanced forces, and Newton’s laws.
WIKI Tickets provide a fun, interactive way to gauge students' progress, perfect for use as exit tickets, bellringers, or formative assessments during lessons. The resource works well in both traditional and virtual learning environments, allowing for easy adaptation to any classroom setting.
Each topic includes multiple formats, making it easy to implement in-person or online. Whether projected in class or completed digitally, these colorful assessments allow for continuous student engagement and real-time understanding checks, helping you monitor student progress throughout the unit.
The Kesler Science Force and Motion Lesson Extensions are designed to engage fast finishers with critical thinking and creativity. These activities offer a mix of rigor and fun, providing an ideal way to wrap up lessons or keep students occupied during testing. The activities help deepen understanding of force and motion while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards.
Each extension includes four different types of activities: Puzzler, Maker Space, Tech Connection, and Word Master. These activities are student-driven, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Whether it’s solving puzzles, building models, exploring digital media, or expressing ideas through creative writing, each activity promotes critical thinking and hands-on engagement.
These extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and printable versions. The materials are flexible, allowing for use in both digital and in-person settings. Perfect for advanced learners or as supplementary activities, they provide a structured yet engaging way to dive deeper into topics like gravity, Newton’s laws, and speed.
The Kesler Science Force and Motion Lesson Extensions are designed to engage fast finishers with critical thinking and creativity. These activities offer a mix of rigor and fun, providing an ideal way to wrap up lessons or keep students occupied during testing. The activities help deepen understanding of force and motion while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards.
Each extension includes four different types of activities: Puzzler, Maker Space, Tech Connection, and Word Master. These activities are student-driven, allowing for personalized learning experiences. Whether it’s solving puzzles, building models, exploring digital media, or expressing ideas through creative writing, each activity promotes critical thinking and hands-on engagement.
These extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and printable versions. The materials are flexible, allowing for use in both digital and in-person settings. Perfect for advanced learners or as supplementary activities, they provide a structured yet engaging way to dive deeper into topics like gravity, Newton’s laws, and speed.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of unbalanced forces through a real-world connection to the invention of the Slinky. Students begin with an introductory reading that sparks curiosity, followed by comprehension and extension questions to prepare them for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down how unbalanced forces cause changes in an object's position, direction, and speed, with reinforcement questions to support understanding.
The TEKS-aligned resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, editable slides for projection, and both full- and half-sheet handouts for print use. A digital version is also available for Google Classroom and other platforms, making it flexible for both in-person and virtual learning. Differentiated support is provided through a modified version that includes simplified language and sentence starters to guide students through comprehension questions.
Designed to bookend your main lesson, this no-prep activity fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether you're introducing the concept of unbalanced forces or wrapping up instruction, this engaging lesson provides meaningful context and review through accessible readings and structured activities.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of unbalanced forces through a real-world connection to the invention of the Slinky. Students begin with an introductory reading that sparks curiosity, followed by comprehension and extension questions to prepare them for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down how unbalanced forces cause changes in an object's position, direction, and speed, with reinforcement questions to support understanding.
The TEKS-aligned resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, editable slides for projection, and both full- and half-sheet handouts for print use. A digital version is also available for Google Classroom and other platforms, making it flexible for both in-person and virtual learning. Differentiated support is provided through a modified version that includes simplified language and sentence starters to guide students through comprehension questions.
Designed to bookend your main lesson, this no-prep activity fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. Whether you're introducing the concept of unbalanced forces or wrapping up instruction, this engaging lesson provides meaningful context and review through accessible readings and structured activities.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are balanced and unbalanced forces?
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How do unbalanced forces cause a change in position, direction and speed of an object?
Kesler Science Membership
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