Air resistance: plan
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan an investigation to identify the effects of air resistance.
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.
Teacher tip
This lesson focuses on the working scientifically skill of planning a fair test investigation within the context of air resistance. Pupils will carry out and review their investigation in lesson 6. See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to this lesson's content.
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?
An athlete running as fast a possible.
A parachutist controlling their descent.
A racing car trying to cross the finish line first.
Q5.How does a parachute work?
Q6.In which direction does air resistance act?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Air resistance: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Air resistance: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Forces including simple machines unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.