Investigating Forces Activities for 4th Grade Science

The Kesler Science Investigating Forces 4th Grade Complete 5E Lesson delivers an engaging, multi-day learning experience with minimal prep. This all-in-one resource ensures students actively explore how forces affect objects through hands-on investigations, interactive discussions, and student-led learning. Designed for flexibility, the lesson includes both digital and printable formats, Spanish translations, and editable components to fit any classroom need.  

Following the 5E Model, students engage with key concepts through vocabulary activities and class discussions before diving into an exploration-based station lab. Nine differentiated stations provide multimodal input and output activities, allowing students to investigate forces through research, experiments, videos, reading, writing, and hands-on tasks. A challenge station offers enrichment opportunities for early finishers.  

The lesson continues with detailed explanations using interactive PowerPoints and digital or printable interactive notebooks. Student-choice projects extend learning, while structured evaluation materials, including assessments, review questions, and worksheets, reinforce comprehension. Whether in-person or virtual, this comprehensive resource empowers students to take charge of their learning while making lesson planning effortless for teachers.

The Kesler Science Investigating Forces Station Lab immerses 4th-grade students in hands-on, student-led exploration of force concepts. Through engaging activities, students investigate the effects of pushes, pulls, gravity, friction, and magnetism. The structured yet flexible format allows for independent or small-group learning while minimizing teacher prep time.  

With eight differentiated stations and a ninth challenge station, students explore forces through interactive, multimodal input and output activities. From hands-on demonstrations and research tasks to reading comprehension and video analysis, each station reinforces key concepts. Output stations provide creative ways for students to organize, illustrate, write about, and assess their understanding.  

Designed for easy implementation, the station lab includes all necessary signage, literature, and task cards, with digital options available for virtual learning. Whether completed in the classroom or remotely, these stations provide a dynamic, student-centered approach to investigating forces.

The Kesler Science Investigating Forces Student Choice Projects provide 4th-grade students with multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding of force. With six structured project options and a “design your own” choice, students engage in hands-on, student-led learning. A flexible grading rubric allows for teacher, peer, or self-assessment, making evaluation adaptable to classroom needs.  

Teachers can customize the rubric to align with their grading preferences, ensuring flexibility. The project board includes nine creative choices, along with a modified version offering targeted options for differentiation. Whether students need extra support or an additional challenge, the structured yet adaptable format allows them to showcase their learning in a personalized way.  

Designed for easy implementation, the projects use common classroom materials like paper, markers, and scissors, with digital options available. Whether completed in class or remotely, these engaging activities encourage exploration, creativity, and deeper understanding of forces in action.