Science Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Friction Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 3-5 on friction: the force that slows motion when two surfaces rub together, with more friction on rough surfaces and less on smooth ones. Students judge eight situations as more or less friction, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Friction, force and motion
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Friction is a force that acts when two surfaces rub against each other, working against motion so it slows things down and can stop them. Rough surfaces make more friction; smooth or slippery surfaces make less. This worksheet teaches students to predict where friction is high or low and to see that friction can be both helpful and unwanted.
Section A gives eight situations (a ball on rough carpet; a skate on smooth ice) and asks students to write more friction or less friction. The reference box teaches the idea with a sled-on-snow and a rubber-shoe example not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to tell what friction does to a moving object, compare rough and smooth surfaces, give a helpful use of friction, and explain why oil is added to rubbing machine parts. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill is part of the force and motion strand.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and rub two surfaces (hand on desk, then on paper) to feel friction.
Complete Section A independently – have students picture rough versus smooth for each.
Work Section B item 9 together: describe what friction does to a rolling ball.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Force and Motion Worksheet or the Simple Machines Worksheet for a physics mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Free Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Friction Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 3-5 on friction: the force that slows motion when two surfaces rub together, with more friction on rough surfaces and less on smooth ones. Students judge eight situations as more or less friction, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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