Unit 6e:
Forces in action
In this unit children apply their knowledge of a variety of forces, including magnetic attraction,
gravitational attraction and friction. Children learn about the changes in motion which occur when
forces act on an object. They consolidate their understanding that forces have direction and can be
measured.
Lesson
Plan 1: Gravity
Children will know that the Earth and objects are pulled towards each other and that this gravitational
attraction causes objects to have weight. Children will use and understand the language of force,
weight, mass, gravity, Newton, kilogram...
Lesson
Plan 2: Force direction and diagrams
Children will learn that forces act in a particular direction. Children will know that more
than one force can act on an object. Children will know that force directions can be represented
using arrows on force diagrams. Children will know that forces can be balanced...
Lesson
Plan 3: Forces in water
Children will be able to explain that when an object is at rest there are still forces acting on it
and that these forces are balanced. Children will be able to make careful repeated measurements
of force using a forcemeter. Children will know that when an object is submerged in water, the
water provides an upward force (upthrust) on it...
Lesson
Plan 4: Stretching elastic bands
Children will know that how much an elastic band stretches depends on the force acting on it.
Children will be able to make careful measurements of length and represent data in a line graph, using
this to identify patterns...
Lesson
Plan 5: Air resistance
Children will know that air resistance slows moving objects. Children will know that when an
object falls, air resistance acts in the opposite direction to the weight. Children will be able
to check measurements by repeating them and to recognise and describe the pattern in their
results. Children will be able to identify appropriate scientific explanations...
Lesson
Plan 6: Air resistance 2
Children will know that air resistance slows moving objects and that when an object falls, air
resistance acts in the opposite direction to the weight. Children will check measurements by
repeating them. Children will understand that the weight of an object makes a difference to the
speed of its fall...
Lesson
Plan 7: Air resistance 3
Children will know that air resistance slows moving objects that when an object falls, air
resistance acts in the opposite direction to the weight to check measurements by repeating them.
Children will know that the weight of an object makes a difference to the speed of its fall...
Lesson
Plan 8: Parachutes
Children will know
that air resistance can slow down a moving object. Understand that if one force is stronger than the
other/s the object will speed up, slow down or change direction or shape. Children will use and
understand the language Force, Air resistance, Gravity, Mass.
Lesson
Plan 9: Magnetic Forces
Children will know that there are forces between magnets and that magnets can attract and repel
from each other to make and record careful observations of magnets to make generalisations about what
happens when magnets are put together (Like poles attract and unlike poles repel)...
PDF: 'The
Earth' worksheet
A worksheet to start children thinking and talking about gravity on earth. Develops
understanding of gravity wherever you are on earth; a concept many children find difficult.
PDF: Force
pictures sheet
A series of force pictures for discussion of push/pull, balanced and unbalanced forces. Sort
and classify the pictures, and use magazines and/or clipart to find further examples of your own.
PDF: Seesaw
picture
A picture depicting 2 children on a seesaw. Consolidates understanding of balanced and
unbalanced forces. Children can add a description of the forces in action and/or find further
examples of their own to show balanced forces.
PDF: Air
resistance recording sheet
A set of recording charts to record the time taken for paper to drop in different states (flat,
scrunched etc). Very effective in demonstrating the presence and action of air resistance, and
great fun too!
PDF: Paperclip
recording sheet
A set of recording charts to record the time taken for paperclip chains of different lengths to
fall. A fun activity that develops understanding of mass on gravity and demonstrates the need for
a fair test.
PDF: Paper
spinner sheets
A step by step guide to how to make a paper spinner. Easy to follow instructions and diagrams
help this to be an independent activity for all abilities.
PDF: Forces
A sheet of words describing forces (pushing, pulling, stretching) and a worksheet for children to
draw a force in action and choose the appropriate force word to go underneath.
PDF: Material
Times - Friction
A results grid for children to record results of an investigation into the effect of different
materials on a slope on the time a toy car takes to go down it.
PDF: Forces
Quiz
A multiple-choice quiz testing childrens knowledge of forces, friction, gravity and lift.
PDF: Write
up Guidelines
A writing frame to enable children to record investigations in terms of the apparatus they used,
their method, results and conclusion.
Science
ROA / Self Assessment Sheets
The purpose of the sheets is to support teachers in communicating the objectives of the unit to the
children and to provide the children with the opportunity to reflect upon their learning and, with some
guidance, record their achievements
From
Educate the Children UK
