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

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

A force meter is a piece of equipment used to measure the size of a force.  It is also called a newton meter.

A push is a force that moves an object further away.

A pull is a force that brings an object closer.

The size of a force is measured in newtons.

Working scientifically: Taking measurements with accuracy - Pushes and pulls

The surface is the top or outside layer of an object or material.

Friction is a force that acts between surfaces.

A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show and what they mean.

Working scientifically: Reporting/presenting findings from enquiries - Friction

Air resistance is a type of frictional force that acts between the air and the surface of a moving object.

Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.

A fair test is where only one variable is changed, to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.

Working scientifically: Planning enquiries to answer questions - Air resistance

Working scientifically: Recognising and controlling variables - Air resistance

A fair test is where only one thing is changed to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

Working scientifically: Taking accurate and repeat measurements - Air resistance

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

Water resistance is a type of friction force which acts between a liquid and the surface of an object.

In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.

Water resistance is a type of friction force which acts between water and the surface of an object.

How reliable we think the results of an investigation are.

If a result is reliable, it measures something consistently.

In the evaluation of an investigation, scientists judge how reliable the results and conclusion are.

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

A lever is a simple mechanism or machine which is useful for lifting things.

The effort is the force needed to do a job.

The pivot is the fixed point where a lever turns.

A pulley is a simple mechanism or machine which is useful for lifting things.

A gear is a simple machine which is useful for turning things.

A cog is a toothed wheel, often used in gear systems.

An axle is a rod that goes through the centre of the wheel to help it move and stay in place.

A mechanism is something which performs a task.

A simple machine is something which performs a task and has no, or few, moving parts.

An inclined plane is a simple machine.  It is also called a ramp.

An invention is something that has never been made before.

An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.

When you collaborate with someone, it means that you work with them.

To communicate is to share your ideas and plans through writing or talking and could include using photographs, charts, diagrams and videos.

A challenge is something difficult that requires effort to do or overcome.

Problem-solving is working to find solutions to problems.

If you are resilient, you are able to cope with challenges without giving up.

Forces including simple machines

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