Measuring forces
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.
Key learning points
- Forces are measured with a newton meter.
- Forces are measure in newtons (N).
- With no force, newton meters need to be adjusted to zero.
- Newton meters should be selected by considering the scale.
- Repeat readings help check for mistakes.
Keywords
Newton (N) - The size of a force is measured in units called newtons (N).
Newton meter - The size of a force can be measured with a newton meter.
Scale - A scale is a line on which different positions are marked.
Accurate - Results are accurate if they are close to the true value of what is being measured.
Zero error - A zero error is when a measuring device should read zero but doesn’t.
Common misconception
Pupils are often unable to match their experience of different forces with forces in newtons.
Pupils are provided with opportunity to both measure and describe a range of forces.
Teacher tip
Parts of the explanations and checks for understanding on reading scales could be best demonstrated using a visualiser (camera) and one of your school's newton meters, so the equipment used during instruction matches what the students will use.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To stretch a spring further, __________ force is needed.
Q2.What unit are forces measured in?
Q3.Select the different names this piece of equipment can be called.
Q4.Starting with the smallest force, put these forces in order of size.
Q5.Which of the following forces would not be easily measured by a force meter?
Q6.What interval does this scale go up in steps of?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To measure the size of a force, you can use a meter.
Q2.Which gives the correct ways of writing the unit forces are measured in?
Q3.What does this newton meter read?
Q4.Which of the below are ways to read a newton meter more accurately? Tick as many as you think.
Q5.What does this newton meter read?
Q6.This newton meter has masses attached, applying a force. What is the issue and how should it be solved?
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Measuring forces, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Measuring forces, 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 3 science lessons from the Forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.