English National Curriculum - Science Science

3. Explore factors which affect water resistance

Mission Objectives

Understand water resistance

Describe the forces acting on an object floating in water

Identify the similarities and differences between air and water resistance

Rocket Words Quiz

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Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

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Lesson Resources

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

sink

an object becoming submerged in a liquid

streamlined

an object that is shaped to travel through air or water with as little resistance as possible

upthrust

any force that is causing something to be pushed upwards

water resistance

friction which acts on an object as it moves through water

buoyant

to float

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This lesson has been written by

Heather Bingham

Heather qualified with a first-class honours degree in climate science from the University of East Anglia. Since, she has joined Developing Experts as a writer and presenter, specialising in earth and environmental sciences.

She is also an internationally published science author, having written a series of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) digital textbooks aimed at improving learners’ understanding of English whilst igniting an interest in science.

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

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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 Mintey MBE

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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Required Resources

Resources: A small object (such as a marble or penny), a large clear container filled with water, a mini whiteboard, modelling clay, water, a variety of containers (such as large bottles with the tops cut off or large measuring cylinders) and weighing scales.

Core Handout (2): An investigation sheet for the children to record their predictions, fair testing, results and conclusions.

Stretch Handout (3): The children are asked to explain the similarities and differences between air and water resistance.

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Exemplar Work

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How does shape and size impact water resistance?

How does shape and size impact water resistance?

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