English National Curriculum - Science Science
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
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
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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
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.
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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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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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