New
New
Year 6

Dynamics: force

I can apply different amounts of tension to my body to communicate dynamics effectively.

New
New
Year 6

Dynamics: force

I can apply different amounts of tension to my body to communicate dynamics effectively.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: applying different amounts of tension to communicate force requires control and strong bodily tension.
  2. Think: deciding when to change roles in a performance involves creative, aesthetic and reflective skills.
  3. Feel: manipulating another person involves care and responsibility for their safety.
  4. Connect: contact work and reacting to another person’s actions clearly demonstrates collaborative skills.

Keywords

  • Dynamics: - the speed and force of an action

  • Force - the degree of effort that is applied to an action

  • Tension - stretched, taut, tight

Common misconception

Trying to move another person means you do so as forcefully as you can.

By starting gently, a person is able to judge the amount of effort that is likely be be required to attempt to move a solid object such as a sculpture made of stone.


To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Dynamics: force, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Showing an excerpt of a string puppet being manipulated may benefit pupils with little prior experience of this form of entertainment.
Teacher tip

Equipment

additional materials: suggested music, 30+ feathers (optional)

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is another phrase for ‘linear formation’?

curved line
zigzag
Correct answer: straight line

Q2.
What skill would be used if a choreographer decided to change the speed or force of an action?

good timing
Correct answer: problem solving
dynamic

Q3.
How else can we make our work safe other than being ‘responsible’ in our performance?

aesthetics
Correct answer: effective
dynamic

Q4.
Which of the following involves collaboration?

copying ideas
Correct answer: sharing ideas
withholding ideas

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What type of force should you use when manipulating another person to create actions?

minimum
maximum
Correct answer: appropriate and safe

Q2.
Who should decide when to change roles?

Correct answer: the choreographer(s)
the teacher
the audience

Q3.
What are we responsible for when manipulating another person?

their timing
their enjoyment
Correct answer: their safety

Q4.
What skills does reacting to another person’s actions demonstrate?

choreographic skills
Correct answer: collaborative skills
creativity

Additional material

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