National curriculum content

• Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object
• Identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces
• Recognise that some mechanisms including levers, pulleys and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect

Lesson objectives

1. Explain gravity
2. Explain the effect of air resistance
3. Explain the effect of water resistance
4. Explain the effect of friction
5. Identify different mechanisms, including levers, gears and pulleys

What we want children to know

• That objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object.
• How air resistance is the force of the air on the parachute.
• Explain friction in relation to different surfaces.
• How water resistance is a force that can slow objects down.
• That forces can be altered using levers, pulleys and gears.

What skills we want children to develop

• Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
• Take measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
• Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.
• Use test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests.
• Report, and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
• Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Vocabulary

air resistance, force meter, friction, gravity, Newton, non-contact force, reliable, water resistance, weight.