Forces
Year 5- Physics
Unit Overview
Info about the unit
In the Forces and Mechanisms project, children will revisit prior learning about forces, identifying what a force is and discussing the two types, including contact and non-contact forces. They will learn that gravity is a force of attraction and follow instructions to observe gravity in action. They will learn the meanings of the terms 'mass' and 'weight' and their units of measurement, following instructions to record the mass and weight of various everyday objects using a piece of equipment called a force meter. They will revisit learning about friction, discussing situations where it can be helpful or where we need to minimise its effects. They will learn about the frictional forces called air and water resistance in detail and conduct investigations to observe these frictional forces in action. They will learn about mechanisms, including gears, pulleys and levers and follow instructions to investigate how these simple machines use forces to make tasks easier.
❇ MEMORABLE MOMENT
To test the effect of air resistance on different sizes of parachutes.
️✏️ WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
To write about each investigation discussing methods and conclusions.
🌳 LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
To create a test a pulley using broom sticks and rope.
Unit Sequence: Learning Intentions
What is friction? To identify the effects of friction that act between moving surfaces.
What is air resistance? To identify the effects of air resistance that act between moving objects.
Does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes for it to fall to the ground? To work scientifically − Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary. Using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
Does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes for it to fall to the ground? To work scientifically − Reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results.
Does the shape of an object affects its movement through water? To identify the effects of water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces. Working scientifically − Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary. Working scientifically − Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
What is gravity? To explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object.
How do levers, pulleys and gears work? To recognise that some mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.
Scientific Enquiry: Investigations
🏁 BIG FINISH
Quiz
📖 FOCUS TEXT(S)
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce