Friction: do and review
I can carry out an investigation into friction and evaluate the results.
Friction: do and review
I can carry out an investigation into friction and evaluate the results.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Scientists carry out investigations to measure and compare the amount of friction created between different surfaces.
- The results from an investigation can be recorded in different ways, including tables and graphs.
- The findings from an investigation can be summarised into a conclusion.
- Objects experience more friction when moving across rough surfaces compared to smooth surfaces.
- Test results can be used to make predictions to set up further investigations.
Keywords
Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of an object or material.
Friction - Friction is a force that acts between surfaces.
Variable - A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.
Conclusion - In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show and what they mean.
Common misconception
All graphs can be used to present all types of data.
Examples given of different types of graph and sample data.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the force that acts between objects that are moving, or trying to move, across each other?
Q2.How many variables should you change in a controlled investigation, such as in a comparative or fair test?
Q3.If the enquiry question is, 'Do different gloves create different amounts of friction?', which variable should be changed?

Q4.Which of these is not a way in which scientists present results?
Q5.Match the investigation type to the activity.
sorting food into healthy and unhealthy groups
measuring the temperature of a hot drink
comparing which type of paper makes the fastest aeroplanes
Q6.In which direction does friction act on moving objects?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the least, sort these surfaces in order of increasing amount of friction created when walking across them.
Q2.Which of these is not a type of graph?
Q3.In which part of an investigation should you summarise the results?
Q4.What do scientists use test results for?
Q5.What is this graph missing?
