Friction worksheets for Grade 3 science with answer keys.

📚 Topic Summary

Friction is a force that opposes motion when two surfaces rub against each other. It's what makes it harder to slide down a slide if it's not slippery, or what helps your shoes grip the floor when you walk. Without friction, everything would be super slippery! Different surfaces create different amounts of friction. Rough surfaces create more friction than smooth surfaces.

In this worksheet, we'll explore vocabulary related to friction, fill in the blanks to complete sentences, and think critically about real-world examples of friction.

🔍 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the terms on the left with their definitions on the right. Write the letter of the correct definition in the space provided.

1. Friction
2. Force
3. Surface
4. Motion
5. Resistance

1. The outside part of something
2. A push or a pull
3. Opposition to movement
4. The act or process of moving
5. A force that opposes motion between surfaces in contact

Answer key:

1. E
2. B
3. A
4. D
5. C

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the box below.

Words: rough, smooth, friction, slow, heat

1. __________ surfaces create more friction than __________ surfaces.

2. __________ is a force that can __________ things down.

3. When objects rub together, __________ is often produced.

Answer key:

1. Rough, smooth

2. Friction, slow

3. Heat

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Think about a time when friction was helpful to you. Describe the situation and explain how friction helped. (Example: When I ride my bike, the friction between the tires and the road helps me to stop when I use the brakes.)

Answer key:

Answers will vary. Examples include: walking without slipping, holding objects, writing with a pencil.