Air resistance: plan
I can plan an investigation to identify the effects of air resistance.
- Year 5
Air resistance: plan
I can plan an investigation to identify the effects of air resistance.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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 the movement of an object
- Air resistance can be helpful and unhelpful in different real-life situations
- Scientists control variables when planning fair tests to investigate air resistance
Keywords
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, change speed, change direction or change shape.
Air resistance - Air resistance is a type of frictional force that acts between the air and the surface of a moving object.
Friction - Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.
Fair test - A fair test is where only one variable is changed, to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.
Variables - A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.
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.
Equipment
large pieces of cardboard, large pieces of fabric and some pre-made parachutes (optional)
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Pushes and pulls are .
Q2.What is the type of force that acts between two surfaces trying to move across each other?
Q3.What does friction do to moving objects?
Q4.Name the force which pulls unsupported objects towards the centre of Earth.
Q5.In which of these situations is friction useful?
Q6.Friction works in the direction to the movement.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Name for the force caused by air moving against the surface of an object.
Q2.Objects with greater air resistance will fall more than objects with less air resistance.
Q3.Which of these statements are true about how you should treat variables in a fair test investigation?
Q4.Match the word to the example. Is air resistance helpful or unhelpful in these situations?
