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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can plan an investigation to identify the effects of water resistance.

      Key learning points

      1. Water Resistance is a force which acts to slow down or stop objects that are moving through liquid.
      2. Water resistance acts in the opposite direction to a moving object.
      3. Scientists ask questions about water resistance to help them to find out more about it.
      4. Scientists control variables and plan tests to investigate water resistance.

      Keywords

      • Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction or change shape.

      • Water resistance - Water resistance is a type of friction force which acts between a liquid and the surface of an object.

      • Comparative test investigation - In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.

      • 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 water resistance, regardless of their size or shape.

      Discussion and explicit teaching. The investigation they plan will, in the next lesson, show them that this is not true.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson focuses on the working scientifically skill of planning a comparative test investigation within the context of water resistance. Children will carry out and review their investigation in Lesson 8 of this unit.

      Equipment

      Not essential but modelling dough & a 2 litre plastic bottle full of water would help with planning.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      is the force which acts between a moving sledge and the snow, in the opposite direction to the movement.

      Correct Answer: Friction

      Q2.
      Long thin shapes have less air because there is less area for air to bump into.

      Correct Answer: resistance

      Q3.
      What is the surface area of an object?

      The area of its smallest surface.
      Correct answer: The total area taken up by all of its surfaces added together.

      Q4.
      Match the object shape to the relative size of its surface area:

      Correct Answer:long and wide,large surface area

      large surface area

      Correct Answer:long and thin,small surface area

      small surface area

      Q5.
      These shapes are all made with the same mass of sticky tack. Which one of them has the greatest surface area?

      a
      b
      Correct answer: c

      Q6.
      If you want to fall through the air as slowly as possible you use a parachute that will __________ your surface area.

      Correct answer: maximise
      minimise

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is not a liquid at room temperature?

      water
      Correct answer: air
      milk
      oil

      Q2.
      is a force which acts to slow down or stop objects that are moving through liquid.

      Correct Answer: Water resistance, water resistance

      Q3.
      Scientists plan tests and control to investigate water resistance.

      Correct Answer: variables, Variables, variable

      Q4.
      Why might scientists ask questions about water resistance?

      To help them understand how cars move on different surfaces.
      To help them understand how planes move in the air.
      Correct answer: To help them understand how boats move in water.

      Q5.
      Water resistance acts in the direction to the moving object.

      Correct Answer: opposite

      Q6.
      What type of force is water resistance?

      magnetic
      Correct answer: friction
      gravitational
      tension

      To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Water resistance: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...