Different surfaces: plan
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan an investigation to compare how things move on different surfaces.
Key learning points
- Surfaces can be different, ranging from very smooth to very rough.
- A comparative test investigation can be carried out to find out how different surfaces can affect how things move.
- Scientists make decisions about how to set up and carry out investigations.
Keywords
Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.
Rough - Rough surfaces are uneven or bumpy.
Smooth - Smooth surfaces are even.
Comparative test - In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.
Common misconception
All surfaces are only 2-dimensional. All surfaces are made by people (human-made).
Provide many examples, with images, of different types of surface including natural surfaces and 3-dimensional surfaces.
Teacher tip
This lesson focuses on the working scientifically skill of planning a comparative test investigation within the context of comparing different surfaces. Children will carry out and review their investigation in Lesson 2 of this unit.
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.Which of these is not a material?
Q2.How do these materials feel when you touch them? Match the material to the property.
soft
rough
smooth
Q3.Which of these materials would feel the softest?
Q4.How are "human-made" materials made?
Q5.Which one of these materials is human-made?
Q6.Which of these shapes are 3-dimensional (3-D)?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A surface is the layer of something.
Q2.Which of these is not a surface?
Q3.How many things should be changed in a comparative test investigation each time a measurement is made?
Q4.Which thing would you change if you wanted find out how different types of hat affect the temperature of a person's head?
Q5.Sort these activities into the order that a scientist would do them.
Q6.You want to find out whether different shoes help a person run faster. What would you do to compare shoes in a fair way?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Different surfaces: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Different surfaces: 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 Simple forces including magnets unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.