Grade 3 · Science · Physical science

3rd Grade Contact and Non-Contact Forces worksheets

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Contact and Non-Contact Forces

Grade 3 Science Worksheet

NameDate

Write contact or non-contact.

A girl throws a ball. Force:
A boy kicks a can down the road. Force:
A dog pulls a sled. Force:
A ball falls to the ground when you let go. Force:
A mom pulls a wagon with her child inside. Force:
A magnet makes a paper clip jump across a short gap. Force:
A balloon rubbed on hair makes the hair stand up. Force:
A magnet on a string pulls a nail without touching it. Force:
A compass needle turns toward a magnet. Force:
A car bumper hits a traffic cone. Force:
The Moon is pulled toward Earth by gravity. Force:
A boy stops a rolling ball with his foot. Force:

3rd Grade Contact and Non-Contact Forces worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

A force is a push or a pull. Some forces need two things to touch: you kick a ball, push a swing or pull a wagon. These are contact forces. Other forces work across a gap without touching: a magnet pulls a paper clip, static electricity makes hair stand up, and gravity pulls an apple to the ground. These are non-contact forces. On this worksheet your child reads twelve short sentences about pushes and pulls and writes contact or non-contact for each one; the two words are in the instruction.

Building Confidence uses very clear examples, On Level adds magnets and gravity, and Challenge Me uses cases that need some thought, such as wind on a sail. Ask your child whether the two things touch while the force is acting.

What your child will learn

Tell a push or pull that touches from one that does not
Name magnets, gravity and static electricity as non-contact forces
Give an example of each kind of force

NGSS standard: 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-1

Worked example

A magnet pulls a paper clip across the desk without touching it, so it is a non-contact force.

Common mistake

Thinking that gravity or magnets must touch the object to pull on it.

Helpful hint

Ask: do the two things touch while the force is working?

Next skill: Magnets and Engineering Design Earlier: Forces and Motion

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with contact and non-contact forces?

Thinking that gravity or magnets must touch the object to pull on it.

How can I help my child with contact and non-contact forces?

Ask: do the two things touch while the force is working?

Are these 3rd grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade physical science

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