Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why some surfaces are suitable for different jobs, and give examples from real life.
Key learning points
- Friction can be a useful force.
- Friction can be an unhelpful force.
- Scientists, designers and engineers need to choose materials with properties suitable for their work or products.
- Large amounts of friction can create heat.
Keywords
Frictional forces - Frictional forces are forces that act between the surfaces of objects.
Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of an object or material.
Grip - A grip is a firm hold or tight grasp.
Properties - A material's properties are its qualities, such as how hard or soft it is or whether it is rough or smooth.
Common misconception
Friction always hinders motion therefore you always want to eliminate friction.
Multiple examples of positive uses of friction, including to help start motion by pushing off, are included.
Teacher tip
See additional material for further support and guidance.
Equipment
See additional material for further support and guidance.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. forces slow down moving objects.
Q2.Which word is used to describe what a material can do or how it behaves?
Q3.The rougher the surface, the the frictional force.
Q4.Starting with the surface that would produce the least frictional force, order these surfaces by how much they would slow down a marble travelling on them.
Q5.Starting with the ice rink, order these surfaces by the amount of frictional force they would produce when an object moves across them.
Q6.Match each investigation feature with its description.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following can be caused by frictional forces?
Q2.When scientists and engineers design products, they choose materials that are suitable based on their .
Q3.A large amount of frictional force can be helpful for which two of the following products?
Q4.When I rub the palms of my hands together, this creates a frictional force, and I can feel .
Q5.When products are made, materials are chosen based on their properties. Which of these products would need a material that creates a high frictional force?
Q6.In which sport would frictional forces be unhelpful?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory), 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 Simple forces including magnets unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.