Reading in Science: Net Force

Six short science passages that build net force step by step, each targeting a different reading-comprehension skill. The set moves from what net force is (the overall force from combining every force on an object), through adding forces in the same direction and subtracting forces in opposite directions, to balanced vs. unbalanced forces, and finishes by reading a force diagram to predict motion. It is the reading anchor for a TEKS 6.7B unit - with simple net-force calculations built into the passages.

What's Included

• 6 illustrated passage cards, each with a labeled reading skill and comprehension questions:
• 1 - What Is Net Force? (main idea) · 2 - Adding Forces in the Same Direction (supporting details) · 3 - Subtracting Forces in Opposite Directions (cause & effect) · 4 - Balanced Forces (compare & contrast) · 5 - Unbalanced Forces (inference) · 6 - Reading a Force Diagram (draw conclusions)
• Full answer key with explanations
• 4-page letter-size PDF, no prep

How It Helps You Teach

• Covers the core 6.7B skill: combine forces (add same-direction, subtract opposite) and determine if they are balanced or unbalanced
• Builds RI.6.1-6.4 reading skills at the same time: main idea, supporting details, cause/effect, compare/contrast, inference, and drawing conclusions
• Confronts the big misconceptions head-on: balanced does not mean "not moving," and you subtract (not always add) opposite forces

Pair It With

The reading anchor of the Net Force set, alongside Context Clues, Inferences, the Balanced or Unbalanced sort, and Science in the News. Check out our library for the full set.

Perfect for 6th grade physical science, science reading and reading comprehension practice, science literacy, a forces unit review, and TEKS 6.7B / NGSS MS-PS2-2 support. Topics include: net force, balanced and unbalanced forces, adding and subtracting forces, force diagrams, and forces and motion.

Standards: TEKS 6.7B (calculate the net force on an object in a horizontal or vertical direction using diagrams, and determine if the forces are balanced or unbalanced); NGSS MS-PS2-2; DCI PS2.A (Forces and Motion); CCSS RI.6.1-6.4. Part of the Daily Science series by Workybooks.