English National Curriculum - Science Science

4. Investigate the effects of friction on different surfaces

Mission Objectives

Understand how friction acts on objects

Accurately use a Newton meter to measure a force

Describe ways of changing the size of a frictional force

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

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Word Search Game

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

Newton

the international metric unit of force

friction

the resistance of motion when one object rubs against another

resistance

force which operates in the opposing direction to the motion of an object

Newton meter

a device used to measure the size of a force

lubricant

a substance used to reduce friction between moving surfaces

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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!

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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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In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

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Required Resources

Resources: A variety of surfaces (different carpets or carpet tiles, a variety of wooden floors, tarmac/playground surface), trainers, a Newton meter, a ruler and a weight. Alternatively, the children could cover a plank of wood with different surfaces (e.g. sandpaper, a towel, tinfoil, lino, carpet, corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap). A ruler or tape measure.

Core Handout (2): A results table for children to gather their data.

Stretch Handout (3): Questions for children to apply their knowledge of friction to everyday situations.

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