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Science topics ages 8 - 9
Friction
Curriculum relevance | Online lesson plan
Offline lesson plan |
Worksheet |
Activity |
Quiz
Online lesson plan
Objectives
Understand that friction is a force that slows moving objects
Explain conclusions in terms of the roughness or smoothness of surfaces
Relate results to predictions
Begin to know how to plan a fair test
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National Curriculum
England: Key Stage 2, Science, Sc1 2d; Sc4 2c
Wales: Key Stage 2, Physical processes 2.6
Northern Ireland: Key Stage 2, Physical processes, Forces and energy, d
Scotland: 5-14 Guidelines, Science, Forces and their effects, Level C
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Resources required
Online activity from Science Clips website: Friction
A brick and samples of the following surfaces: carpet, wood, vinyl, ice
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Teaching activities
Introduction
Demonstrate trying to pull a brick with a Newton meter on the carpet and the
vinyl samples. Which surface is it more difficult to get an object to start
moving on – a smooth or a rough surface? Why? Encourage the children to
explain their ideas using words such as roughness, smoothness, grip and slide
or slip. Explain that where there is greater grip, there is a greater force of
something called friction.
Activities
Show the children the four different surface samples. Explain that they are
going to carry out a virtual experiment to find out on which surface a sleigh
will travel furthest. They are going to start the sleigh moving with a push.
Discuss what will need to happen to make sure this is a fair test (same size
push, same sleigh). Open the online activity on an interactive whiteboard and
demonstrate how to select a different track surface, and how to start the
sleigh moving. On which surface do you think the sleigh will move the furthest?
On which surface do you think the sleigh will move the shortest distance?
Arrange the children in pairs or groups, with a computer for each group. Ask
children to work through the activity, following the tasks written (and spoken)
at the top of the screen. Ask them to record distances travelled (or flags
reached) on paper.
Plenary
Were their predictions right? Discuss why the sleigh does not travel as far on
the carpet, even though it received the same size push as on the other
surfaces. Again, encourage the children to explain their ideas using words such
as roughness, smoothness, grip, slide and slip. Is there more friction between
the sleigh and the carpet, or between the sleigh and the ice? Develop the link
between grip and the force of friction. What does this indicate about road
surfaces? How do we make sure cars and bicycles are going to be safe? What will
happen in the winter when the roads are icy?
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Extension
Ask children to complete the online quiz on Friction.
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Suggested homework
Draw and describe the soles of different pairs of shoes in their house. Which
have more grip and which will they be likely to slip in?
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