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.

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.

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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

  • Friction forces - Friction forces are forces which act between the surfaces of objects.

  • Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.

  • Grip - A grip is a firm hold or tight grasp, between objects and surfaces.

  • Properties - The properties of a material are its qualities or things it can do.

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.

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 (2024), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
forces slow down moving objects.
Correct Answer: friction, friction 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 friction forces.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: greater, stronger, larger, bigger, higher
Q4.
Starting with the least friction force, order these surfaces by how much they would slow down a marble travelling on them.
An image in a quiz
1 - glass mirror
2 - cotton tablecloth
3 - woollen rug
Q5.
Starting with ice rink, order these surfaces by the amount of friction forces they would create.
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

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following can be caused by friction 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 friction force can be helpful for which two of the following products?
bike chains
Correct answer: climbing shoes
Correct answer: goalkeeper gloves
the moving parts of engines
Q4.
When I rub the palms of my hands together, this creates friction force, and I can feel .
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: heat, hot, warmer, warm, hotter
Q5.
When products are made, materials are chosen based on their properties. Which two of these products would need a high friction material?
roller blade wheels
Correct answer: the sides of a matchbox where you strike the match
playground slides
Correct answer: tug-of-war rope
Q6.
In which sport would friction forces be unhelpful?
speed climbing
sprinting
Correct answer: speed skating
Q1 image 4 https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/12/17/05/58/leaf-4700838_1280.jpg

Additional material

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