Name: ______________________

Examining Forces – Student Handout

Part One: Stressed-Out Marshmallows

Type of
Description of Grid
Action Grid Diagram Force(s)
Changes
Observed

Squishing

Stretching

Bending Both Ends

Bending One End

Twisting

Part Two: Shear Excitement

 Name: ______________________

Action Observational Diagram Written Observations

Tearing Paper

Cutting w/Sharp

Scissors

Cutting w/ Dull

Scissors

Toothpick Slide

Part Three: Twist That Towel

 Name: ______________________

Type of
Amount of
Action Written Observations Force(s)
Water
Observed

Squeezing

Twisting

Part Four: Tug-O’-War

 Name: ______________________

Test Material Weight (Newtons) Written Observations

Cotton Thread

Silk Thread

Polyester Thread

Cotton Blend

Thread

Knitting Wool

Followup Questions
 Name: ______________________

1) Use your observations to decide whether each statement below is

true or false. In your answers, explain which part of the investigation

gives evidence for your decision.

a) Only one force can act on one part of a structure at a time.

b) Torsion forces reduce the size of the spaces between particles in

a substance.

c) A piece of yarn or rope made by twisting several fibres together

has a much higher tensile strength than a single fibre.

d) The top of a structure that is being bent may be placed under

tension or compression.
 Name: ______________________

2) In this activity, you tested a variety of materials for strength against

tension, compression, torsion, shear and bending. For each type of

force, list at least two examples of materials that would be well

suited to resist that particular force. Give at least two examples of

materials that would be poorly suited. Explain your examples.

Tension

Examples that might resist tension:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Examples that might not resist tension:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Compression

Examples that might resist compression:

1)

2)

Explanation:
 Name: ______________________

Examples that might not resist compression:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Torsion

Examples that might resist torsion:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Examples that might not resist torsion:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Shear

Examples that might resist shear:

1)

2)

Explanation:
 Name: ______________________

Examples that might not resist shear:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Bending

Examples that might resist bending:

1)

2)

Explanation:

Examples that might not resist bending:

1)

2)

Explanation: