English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Investigate how things move on different surfaces
Identify some surfaces that slow objects down
Explain how friction can be increased or decreased in real-life situations
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Recording data, results and findings
Using tables, a variety of graphs, labelled diagrams and models to record observations, measurements, results and findings.
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Words and meanings to learn
surface
the uppermost layer of something
texture
the feel or look of a surface
motion
the process of movement
resistance
stop or slow down
friction
a force that slows down or stops objects when two surfaces rub against each other
Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
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Emma has spent the past 12 years teaching in primary schools, where she has led history and played a key role in shaping curriculum development across her academy trust. With a passion for designing lessons that are lively, meaningful, and rooted in real-life context, she is dedicated to making learning something children remember and enjoy.
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Clare is an experienced primary teacher with extensive experience across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. She has a strong background in curriculum design and development, contributing to programmes across EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, ensuring they are engaging, inclusive, and pedagogically effective.
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Resources: A toy boat (or wooden block), thick books, a stopwatch, a cardboard/wooden ramp (which can be made or bought) and a selection of materials such as bubble wrap, cling-film, paper, felt and sandpaper. (NB: any object can be timed moving down the ramp, but for a measurable effect, pick an object that slides - not rolls. Avoid toys with wheels or balls.)
Core Handout (2): A table for the children to record the results of their experiment.
Challenge Handout (4): A space for the children to apply what they have learnt to a real-life situation.
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