Friction Vocabulary for Your Classroom

Science relies on accurate and precise communication. Teaching subject-specific scientific vocabulary goes hand in hand with the teaching of any new scientific topic. When students have a clear understanding of scientific terminology, they can more effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas related to a specific topic. 

To help you teach your students the subject-specific vocabulary related to the force of friction, the Teach Starter team has created this set of 15 friction vocabulary cards. Each card contains the vocabulary word, its definition and a related image.

Words included in this set of friction vocabulary cards are: friction, surface, smooth, rough, lubrication, traction, static friction, sliding friction, wear and tear, brakes, skid, drag, force, gravity, inertia. 

This resource downloads as a full-color PDF or edible Google Slides file. 

This resource will assist you in incorporating friction vocabulary into your science lessons on forces, empowering your students to use these words accurately and with confidence in their own work. 

The Benefits of Learning Friction Vocabulary

Learning scientific vocabulary is crucial for students, and there are several reasons why. Here are a few for you to ponder: 

1. Scientific Experimentation – Learning and using the correct scientific vocabulary related to a particular topic helps students greatly when it comes to formulating hypotheses, designing experiments and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
2. Scientific Literature – Scientific literature is filled with specialized vocabulary. The ability to read and interpret scientific literature will be a crucial skill as students journey into high school and beyond.
3. Career Preparation – In many scientific fields, effective communication is a key skill. Whether students pursue careers in research, medicine, engineering or other scientific disciplines, a solid grasp of scientific vocabulary is crucial for success.

Download These Printable Friction Vocabulary Cards

Use the download button to access either the full-color PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

We recommend printing this resource on cardstock for increased durability.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Teacher-Created Friction Activities

Looking for more curriculum-aligned activities to enhance your lessons on friction? We have many great resources at your fingertips!

teaching resource

High or Low Friction? Interactive Clip Cards

Explore high and low friction examples with your students using this set of 24 digital clip cards.

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Friction Experiment - Sticky Friction

Use this engaging friction experiment when teaching your students about sliding friction and the effect it has on the movement of objects.

teaching resource

The Force of Friction Teaching Slides

Teach your students facts about friction with this comprehensive and age-appropriate teaching presentation for elementary school science lessons.