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Lesson 3 of 12
  • Year 3

Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory)

I can explain why some surfaces are suitable for different jobs, and give examples from real life.

Lesson 3 of 12
New
New
  • Year 3

Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory)

I can explain why some surfaces are suitable for different jobs, and give examples from real life.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Friction can be a useful force.
  2. Friction can be an unhelpful force.
  3. Scientists, designers and engineers need to choose materials with properties suitable for their work or products.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

See additional material for further support and guidance.
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional material for further support and guidance.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Exploration of objects

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.
forces slow down moving objects.

Correct Answer: frictional, friction, frictional forces

Q2.
Which word is used to describe what a material can do or how it behaves?

mass
fabric
Correct answer: properties
products

Q3.
The rougher the surface, the the frictional force.

Correct Answer: greater, stronger, larger, bigger, higher

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.

1 - glass mirror
2 - cotton tablecloth
3 - woollen rug

Q5.
Starting with the ice rink, order these surfaces by the amount of frictional force they would produce when an object moves across them.

1 - ice rink
2 - short grass
3 - tarmac (road surface)
4 - rocky path

Q6.
Match each investigation feature with its description.

Correct Answer:equipment,a list of what we need

a list of what we need

Correct Answer:conclusion,an explanation of the results

an explanation of the results

Correct Answer:results,a table of measurements

a table of measurements

Correct Answer:prediction,an idea about what might happen

an idea about what might happen

Assessment exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following can be caused by frictional forces?

Correct answer: heat
Correct answer: grazes on skin
bread rising in the oven
leaves falling off trees

Q2.
When scientists and engineers design products, they choose materials that are suitable based on their .

Correct Answer: properties, property

Q3.
A large amount of frictional force can be helpful for which two of the following products?

bike chains
Correct answer: climbing shoes
Correct answer: goalkeeper gloves

Q4.
When I rub the palms of my hands together, this creates a frictional force, and I can feel .

Correct Answer: heat, hot, warmer, warm, hotter

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?

roller blade wheels
Correct answer: the sides of a matchbox where you strike the match
playground slides

Q6.
In which sport would frictional forces be unhelpful?

speed climbing
running
Correct answer: speed skating