Edexcel (KS4)

KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

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Exam subject (KS4)

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Science
Year 8

Moving by force

10 lessons

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  • BQ11 Physics: How do forces make things happen?

Description

This unit explores speed, forces, and motion, including effects on objects. It covers deriving equations, calculations, and distance-time graphs. Learn to use force arrows, identify balanced and unbalanced forces, and understand their impact on movement.

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Rocks and soils, where they explored the formation and classification of rocks and the composition of soils. It deepens their understanding by examining Earth's resources, including how these materials are used and the importance of sustainable management. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Carbon cycle and climate change, where they will apply their knowledge to understand the role of Earth's resources in global cycles and the impact of human activity on climate, reinforcing the need for responsible resource use.

  1. Calculating speed
  2. Measuring speed: practical
  3. Measuring speed accurately
  4. Reading distance-time graphs
  5. Interpreting distance-time graphs
  6. Changing speed
  7. Newton's First Law
  8. Streamlining
  9. Comparing the speeds of different parachutes
  10. Changing the speed of a parachute

  • Increasing the mass and/or speed of objects makes their movement harder to change.
  • Forces make things changes and bigger forces cause greater change.
  • Newton meters are used to measure force.
  • Force arrows show the direction and size of a force.
  • The resultant force is the difference in size of two forces acting in opposite directions.
  • A gravitational force pulls objects towards Earth.
  • Air resistance, water resistance and friction push back against moving objects.
  • Friction prevents or slows down movement between surfaces.
  • Friction is caused by the roughness of surfaces.
  • Forces can transfer energy.

91 units shown,

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