A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction, or change shape.

A pull is force that brings an object closer.

Gravity is the force that attracts objects to Earth.

If something is unsupported, it is not held up by anything.

Introduction to gravity

Science

Pushes and pulls

Friction: plan

Friction: do and review

Air resistance: plan

Air resistance: do and review

Water resistance: plan

Water resistance: do and review

How levers can help us

How pulleys can help us

How gears can help us

Simple machines

Design and development of machines

In this Forces and simple machines unit, pupils learn that air resistance, water resistance and friction push back against moving objects. In this Forces unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to accurately describe and explain the actions of forces in a range of situations.

In the Simple forces including magnets unit, pupils learnt to compare how things move on different surfaces. In this Forces including simple machines unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces

This unit covers the effects of gravity, air resistance, water resistance, and friction on objects. It explores how mechanisms like levers, pulleys, and gears magnify forces. Emphasis is on taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and presenting findings.

Forces including simple machines

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

According to stories, which type of falling fruit helped Isaac Newton understand gravity?

{{}} is a pulling force that makes unsupported objects fall towards Earth.

Which of these scientists did not help us learn about gravity?

Big objects have a {{}} gravitational pull than small objects.

Objects of the same shape, but different mass fall at the same rate.

Objects of the same mass, but different shape fall at the same rate.

Which of these statements explains what Galileo discovered about gravity?

Act between objects that are touching each other.

Act between objects that are not touching each other.

Pushes and pulls that make things move or change direction.

Magnetic force can work at a distance, so it is a is a {{}} force.

Introduction to gravity

Lesson outcome

Content guidance