Air resistance is a force caused by air moving against the surface of an object
Air resistance is a force that acts in the opposite direction to a moving object
Air resistance can be helpful and unhelpful in different real-life situations
Scientists control variables when planning fair tests to investigate air resistance

Common misconception

All objects experience the same amount of air resistance, regardless of their size or shape.

Discussion and practical exploration will address this misconception.

Keywords

Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction or change shape.
Air resistance - Air resistance is a type of friction force which acts between the air and the surface of an object.
Friction - Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.
Fair test investigation - A fair test is where only one thing is changed to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.
Variables - Variables are things which can be changed in an investigation.

This lesson focuses on the working scientifically skill of planning a fair test investigation within the context of air resistance. Children will carry out and review their investigation in Lesson 6 of this unit.

Teacher tip

Equipment

large pieces of cardboard, large pieces of fabric and some pre-made parachutes (optional)

Content guidance

Exploration of objects encouraged.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Pushes and pulls are …

Correct Answer: forces

Q2.

What is the type of force that acts between two surfaces trying to move across each other?

magnetism

Correct answer: friction

twists

gravity

Q3.

What does friction do to moving objects?

speeds them up

nothing

Correct answer: slows them down

Q4.

Name the force which pulls unsupported objects towards the centre of Earth.

Correct Answer: gravity, gravitational

Q5.

In which of these situations is friction useful?

Going as fast as possible down a slide.

Correct answer: Rubbing your hands together to warm them.

The moving parts in engines heating up.

Q6.

Friction works in the direction to the movement.

Correct Answer: opposite

Q3 UYSEG

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Name for the force caused by air moving against the surface of an object.

Correct Answer: air resistance

Q2.

Objects with greater air resistance will fall more than objects with less air resistance.

Correct Answer: slowly

Q3.

Which of these statements are true about how you should treat variables in a fair test investigation?

Correct answer: you should only ever change one

you should only ever control one

Correct answer: you should control all but one

Q4.

Match the word to the example. Is air resistance helpful or unhelpful in these situations?

Correct Answer:Unhelpful,An athlete running as fast a possible.

An athlete running as fast a possible.

Correct Answer:Helpful,A parachutist controlling their descent.

A parachutist controlling their descent.

Correct Answer:Unhelpful,A racing car trying to cross the finish line first.

A racing car trying to cross the finish line first.

Q5.

How does a parachute work?

Correct answer: air pushes up against the canopy

air pushes down on the canopy

air pushes the canopy sideways

Q6.

In which direction does air resistance act?

the same direction as the movement

across the direction of the movement

Correct answer: the opposite direction to the movement

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